Cardboard Palm

Zamia furfuracea

The Cardboard Palm, scientifically known as Zamia furfuracea, is a fascinating “living fossil” that brings a prehistoric, architectural edge to any modern landscape. Despite its common name, it isn’t actually a palm tree but a type of cycad—an ancient group of plants that has existed since the time of the dinosaurs. Homeowners in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Bradenton love the Cardboard Palm for its distinctive, thick, leathery leaflets that feel remarkably like heavy cardstock. Its low-growing, mounding habit makes it an elite choice for ground cover in Parrish, a dramatic border along driveways in Palmetto, or as a sturdy foundation plant in the newer developments of Lakewood Ranch.

This plant is a powerhouse of durability in the Manatee and Sarasota County climate. Because it is native to the sandy cliffs and coastal dunes of Mexico, it is naturally adapted to the high-heat and salt-heavy environments of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. The Cardboard Palm features a thick, subterranean trunk that acts as a water reservoir, allowing it to remain lush and green even during the strict watering restrictions of a dry Sun City or Ellenton spring. It is exceptionally low-maintenance and resistant to most common Florida pests, making it a “set and forget” favorite for busy homeowners who want maximum tropical impact with minimal effort.

Whether you are looking for a singular accent piece or a mass planting to fill a large landscape bed in Lakewood Ranch, our design experts can help. We specialize in sourcing healthy, robust Cardboard Palms and installing them with the proper drainage they need to thrive in the Southwest Florida sun. We proudly serve Manatee County, Sarasota County, and the surrounding islands.