Pindo Palm

A cold-hardy beauty with graceful blue-green fronds and sweet edible fruit.

Butia odorata

The Pindo Palm, also known as the Jelly Palm, is one of the most cold-hardy feather palms available for Florida landscapes. Its distinctive blue-green to silver-green fronds arch elegantly from a stout trunk, creating a lush, tropical look even in areas that experience occasional freezes.

Native to South America, the Pindo Palm has become extremely popular throughout Northwest Florida and the Emerald Coast. It produces clusters of small, orange-yellow fruit that are edible and often used to make jelly — giving it its common nickname. The fruit adds seasonal interest but should be managed to prevent mess on walkways and driveways.

With a mature height of only 15–25 feet, the Pindo Palm is an excellent choice for residential properties where a full-sized palm might be too large. It works beautifully as an accent tree, poolside planting, or grouped in clusters for a tropical grove effect.

At a Glance

• Height: Installed at 3–6 ft | Max height: 12–15 ft
• Growth rate: Slow — approximately 6–12 inches per year
• Best regions: Excellent throughout the Florida Panhandle including Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, 30A, and Perdido Key. One of the best choices for areas that experience occasional cold snaps.
• Cold hardiness: Hardy to approximately 10°F (USDA Zone 8a–11) — one of the most cold-tolerant palms
• Price range: $550 – $1,200 installed

Maintenance

• Trim annually to remove dead fronds and spent fruit stalks
• Fruit management is important to prevent mess on walkways and pool decks
• Fertilize once or twice per year with a palm-specific fertilizer
• Generally pest and disease resistant
• Well-drained soil is important — avoid planting in low, wet areas

Trimming Recommendations

• Remove only dead and dying fronds — pindo palms should retain their graceful arching shape
• Cut spent fruit clusters to keep the tree tidy and reduce pest attraction
• Avoid aggressive pruning which can stress the palm and slow growth
• Professional trimming ensures clean cuts that promote healthy regrowth
• Annual or biannual trimming is typically sufficient

Installation Overview

Pindo Palms transplant well when properly handled

Best planted in full sun with well-drained soil

Bracing may be needed for larger specimens during establishment

Regular watering during the first growing season ensures strong root development

Gulf Coast Palms handles complete installation including site preparation and aftercare guidance

Gulf Coast Palms

Gulf Coast Palms — call or text (850) 910-1290 for a free quote.

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Serving the entire Emerald Coast: Pensacola, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Milton, Pace, 30A, Perdido Key, Niceville, Mary Esther, Santa Rosa Beach.