Copernicia baileyana
Common Names: Bailey palm, yarey palm
Family: Arecacea/Palmae (palm Family)
Palm Attracts Birds Drought Tolerant Has Ornamental (non-edible)
Fruit Has evergreen foliage Has Unusual or Interesting Foliage
Description
The majestic Bailey palm has a massive concrete gray trunk with a
slight "Coke® bottle" profile. The trunk can be up to 24 in (61 cm)
in diameter and reach 50' in height. This unique palm has a large
crown with dense and numerous fan shaped leaves that curve upward,
like a smile growing from the petiole (leaf stem). The leaves of
Bailey palm are about 5 ft (1.5 m) across, and have a thin waxy
coating. The dark brown fruit is round and about 1 in (2.5 cm) in
diameter.
Location
Bailey palm is native to dry savanna and woodland areas of Cuba
where several other members of the genus Copernicia including the
Cuban wax palm (like C. hospita and C. macroglossa) also occur.
Culture
In its native range, Bailey palm grows in poor soil and under dry
conditions. Normally considered a slow grower, it responds
exceptionally well to fertilization and moist, well drained soil.
Light: Likes bright, sunny conditions but will tolerate partial
shade. Bailey palm does best in full sun.
Moisture: Bailey palm is highly tolerant of drought, but thrives in
moist soil with good drainage.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9B - 10. Adult Bailey palms are considered
cold hardy down to about 24-26ºF (-3.3 - -4.4ºC), but foliage damage
may occur at these temperatures.
Propagation: By seeds which germinate in from 4 to 12 weeks.
Usage
This Cuban native palm thrives in full sun and is considered one of
the most "majestic" of all palms. The thick white trunk is
imposingly massive and demands attention from all who pass. The awe
inspiring Bailey palm works well next to large buildings and in
formal groupings. Use Bailey palm for street plantings and for
large, open areas. Bailey palm is not a good choice for residences
and homes with small yards.
Features
Bailey palm is considered one of the most "stately" of all palms.
The renowned Fairchild Tropical Garden in Miami recommends Bailey
palm as one of the ten best palms for South Florida. Bailey palm is
now available from some nurseries and seed providers but still is
considered quite rare and a real prize outside of its native Cuba.
Even young Bailey palms are considered highly desirable due to their
very large, curving fan leaves. These leaves make impressive
patterns of shadows and filtered light. Bailey palm is a source of
wax and is used in its native Cuba for making brooms.
young Bailey palm
Young Bailey palms also make attractive specimens.
Bailey palm is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Copernicia
hospita, C. berteroana, or C. fallaense. The common name, yarey
palm, is used for other species as well as Bailey palm. This genus
of palm trees was named after the famous Polish astronomer
Copernicus (1473-1543). The specific part of the name, baileyana, is
named in honor of Liberty Hyde Bailey (1858-1954), who was among the
world's foremost botanists, horticulturists and palm experts. |
