Royal Palm

Roystonea regia

Florida Native
Large Statement Palm
Not For Small Yards

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

People: not researched yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Genuinely unassessed by ASPCA for this actual species. The 'Dwarf Royal Palm' page that DOES exist is a different genus and non-toxic verdict that should not be applied here: a naming trap worth flagging clearly rather than resolving by inference. For context, ASPCA generally (not universally; see Fishtail Palm) rates true palms non-toxic, though that pattern isn't extended here as a substitute for a species-specific verdict.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for ASPCA's 'Dwarf Royal Palm' page (Veitchia merillii), a different genus in the same family as PlotAndPetal's Royal Palm (Roystonea regia). To tell them apart: Different genera within Arecaceae; no visual cue independently confirmed: check the botanical name.. ASPCA's non-toxic rating is for the wrong plant: too distant a relationship to borrow, so this species is left without a verdict rather than assumed non-toxic.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 10a, cold hardy to about 28°F (UF/IFAS EDIS): at the edge of or slightly cooler than central Florida; cold events can damage this species.
Mature size: Quickly reaches 50-70 feet tall with a 20-25 foot spread, and a smooth light-gray trunk up to 2 feet in diameter (UF/IFAS EDIS).
Family: Arecaceae (true palm family)
Where it comes from: Native to south Florida and Cuba (UF/IFAS EDIS).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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Anatomy & Guilds

Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics

How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.

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Field Doctor

What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.

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Vintage Plates

Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.

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Sources

How we choose sources

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