Family: Arecaceae

A solitary palm native to the forests of South America. It is somewhat shade tolerant and should be given sun protection when young. The queen palm may be the fastest-growing palm in Hawaii, reaching heights of 20 feet in 5 years when given proper care. In Florida and California, the queen palm has a reputation for toppling in strong winds. The queen palm is a low maintenance tree after establishing. Not dropping much leaf litter, it is also clean.

Germination by seed takes place in 2 months.

Plant Uses:

• Ornamental
• Specimen

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized on O'ahu
  
• Broad climate versatility and tropical/subtropical adaptation
  
• Repeated introductions outside native range
  
• Host to pests and pathogens
  
• Tolerates diverse soil conditions
  
• Viable seed production and natural hybridization
  
• Intentional human dispersal, bird dispersal, and gut passage survival
  
• Potentially prolific seed output

Low Risk Traits:

• No confirmed weediness
  
• No spines, thorns, toxins, or allelopathy
  
• Palatable to grazers and non-toxic to animals/humans
  
• No shade tolerance, fire hazard, dense thickets, or climbing habit
  
• No vegetative fragmentation, or persistent seed bank
  
• No wind, water, or external animal dispersal
  
• Poor tolerance to mutilation and fire damage