Welcome to The Green Leaf Nursery's Plant Nursery

 Coontie (Zamia integrifolia) is a rugged, ancient plant that has survived since the era of the dinosaurs. While it looks like a small fern or a palm, it is actually a cycad—a primitive cone-bearing plant. It is a legendary "tough-as-nails" species for Florida landscapes.

• Appearance: Features stiff, glossy, evergreen fronds that grow in a feather-like pattern from a large, underground tuber (caudex). It typically reaches 2–3 feet in height and width, forming a lush, rounded clump.
• Growth Rate: Remarkably slow-growing. Because it takes a long time to reach a sellable size, it is often priced higher in nurseries than faster-growing tropicals.
• Longevity: These plants are incredibly long-lived and can survive for decades with almost no intervention.

• Sunlight: Extremely versatile. It thrives in everything from full sun to deep shade, though it grows slightly faster and more compactly in sunnier spots.
• Soil & Water: Prefers well-drained, sandy soil. Once established, it is one of the most drought-tolerant plants available. It cannot handle "wet feet" or standing water, which will rot the underground tuber.
• Salt Tolerance: High. It is an excellent choice for coastal properties where salt spray might kill less hardy plants.

The Coontie is the only larval host plant for the rare Atala butterfly. In the early 20th century, the Atala was thought to be extinct because Coonties were over-harvested for their starchy roots (used for "Florida Arrowroot" flour). The resurgence of Coontie in home landscapes has led to a major comeback for this beautiful, velvety black and iridescent blue butterfly.

Type: Native Cycad

Hardiness: USDA Zones 8–11

Maintenance: Near-Zero; requires only occasional pruning of old, brown fronds

Wildlife: Critical host for Atala butterfly; seeds are eaten by mockingbirds and jays.

Toxicity: All parts are toxic if ingested by pets or humans; use caution in play areas.