Cycads

These ancient cone bearing plants that have changed little since the age of the Dinosaurs. These plants have a palm like appearance with frond like leafs & a central columnar trunk. Cycads are found throughout the world in Africa, Australia, Asia, and North & South America. They can be found in various climates from tropical, grassland, desert, & even snowy pine forests. Cycads are tough plants that are adaptable to their specific environment. Many of these plants are rare & endangered in their native habitat.

In mild winter areas of Southern California where there is little frost the number of Cycads that can be grown outdoors is quite large. Plants that are native to South America, Australia, & South Africa do the best in our area.

Here in the Mojave Desert we have to deal with extremes of temperature. Most Cycads resent frost so the list of Cycads that do well here is much smaller. The following species will grow in the Mojave Desert:

Cycas revoluta Sago Palm- This hardy Cycad from southern areas of Japan is reliably hardy in most of the Mojave Desert. This plant is hardy to 15 degrees F. The plants prefer full sun to part shade. Water this cycad twice a month deeply spring through fall. Plants are clean & slow growing. They may grow up to 15 feet tall. Foliage is prickly plant away from paths.

Encephalartos lanatus This is a spectacular Cycad from the mountains of South Africa. The gorgeous silver foliage demands full sun. This cycad is hardy to 10*F. It is endangered & plants are protected in the wild. Plants for sale command extremely high prices. The blue foliage looks great planted amongst grasses & boulders. Water this cycad twice a month deeply spring through fall. Plants are clean & slow growing. They may grow up to 15 feet tall (very slowly). Foliage is prickly plant away from paths.