Bismarck Palm Seeds - Bismarckia nobilis Drought Tolerant Tree

Since Bismarck palms are dioecious, sex typically isn't apparent until the tree flowers, which can take several years, so patience is needed before knowing if you'll get fruit-bearing female trees.

Young seedlings often start out greener, with the striking steel-blue tone becoming more pronounced as the palm matures and receives full sun exposure.

As a slow-growing palm, it can take many years to develop a substantial trunk and full canopy, so it's a long-term landscape investment rather than a quick-growing specimen.

Young plants are considerably more cold-sensitive than mature specimens, which tolerate brief cold better once established, so extra frost protection is important in the early years.

With fronds reaching up to 9 feet wide, it's worth leaving substantial clearance from structures, pools, and walkways to accommodate its eventual full spread.

No, it's sometimes confused with other silver or blue fan palms in the trade, but Bismarckia nobilis is a distinct species recognized by its especially large, stiff, powder-blue fronds.