Mule Palm

Mule palm (× Butiagrus nabonnandii) is a single-stem feather palm with variable size and form. A University of Florida table lists a typical mature size near 25 feet tall by 20 feet wide and identifies it for USDA zone 8a. ## Garden Use Use the palm as a landscape specimen where its eventual height and crown spread have room to develop. The University of Florida describes it as slow-growing and notes that its size and form vary, so allow generous space for its crown and eventual height. ## Growing Conditions The University of Florida reference lists a feather-leaved form and a single stem. Plant palms at the same depth as their root ball, avoid sites with a very high water table, and keep the root ball from drying completely during establishment. ## Maintenance After establishment, remove only completely dead leaves that do not drop naturally. Avoid removing discolored or partly dead older leaves, which may signal a nutrient problem. See [University of Florida guidance on ornamental palms](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP020).