Bismarck Palm

Bismarckia nobilis Hildebr. & Wendl.

bis-MARK-ee-ah  NOBE-ah-lus

Arecaceae

Explanation of name: Named for German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck (JON). Nobilis means noble.

Name range: Madagascar

Native habitat: Savanna

Recognition: Large palm with eye-catchingly blue-silvery, large (multiple feet across), rigid, costapalmate leaves. Bismarck Palm could be confused with the similar Blue Latan Palm (Latania loddigesii) but differs by having the petiole bases free of wooly scales that cover the petiole bases in the Latan Palms. Latans have the leaf hastula symmetrical (vs. asymmetrical in Bismarck Palm) and teeth on the edges of the young leaf segments. Blue Latan Palm has characteristic sculpturing on one end of the seed. For further notes, see Latania species.

Landscape uses: A very popular, striking species that makes a strong statement with its imposing size, stately silhouette, and silvery color. The palm should be used with caution, as it stands out aggressively and requires space. It is out of scale with many residential yards and is difficult to color-coordinate with its context. Consider using it in multiples, and/or in the company of other silvery-leaved plants. Requires freely drained soil (JON). May be hard to transplant, and can not be dug before trunk formation (MEE).

Notes: This species is dioecious (individual trees male or female), so isolated specimens will not form fertile seeds. ELL gives 2-4 months for germination.