Coontie (Zamia floridana)

Coontie (Zamia integrifolia) is a tough, low-growing, and slow-growing woody shrub native to Florida's sandy soils, pinelands, and coastal areas. As the only cycad native to the United States, it is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant with deep green, fern-like foliage, making it a popular, low-maintenance choice for sustainable, native landscaping.

• Appearance: A "living fossil" cycad, often mistaken for a fern or palm, typically growing 1–3 feet tall with stiff, glossy fronds.
• Native Habitat: Indigenous to Central and South Florida, thriving in sandy soils and, occasionally, rocky, limestone soils.
• Wildlife Support: It is the exclusive larval host plant for the rare and endangered Atala butterfly, which can withstand the plant's natural toxins.
• Landscaping Use: Highly versatile, suitable for sun to partial shade, and used for ground cover, border, or specimen plantings.
• Care: Very low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and cold-hardy down to about 20 degrees F.

. *Highly recommended for Florida-friendly gardens