AZ Arboretums

Beaucarnea recurvata

Ponytail palm

Common: Ponytail palm, Elephant-foot tree, Bottle palm
Family: Arecaceae (Palmae)
Origin: Eastern Australia

Grows to more than 8 ft., with 2 to 6 ft. spread. Slow growth rate.

Handsome, stately, difficult to transplant when large.

Weepy form. Leaves 2 ft. long, 1/8" wide and dark green.

Smooth green trunk, predominantly ringed. Clustered pink to amethyst colored flowers are inconspicuous.

Where winds are strong, plant inside buildings to prevent damage.

Young trees can't take frost, but mature plants may stand 28° F.

Poor drought resistance, and salt intolerant.