Mule Palms

Hybrid Butia Capitatas

The Mule Palm

The Perfect Hybrid of Beauty & Strength

The Mule Palm (× Butiagrus nabonnandii) is one of the most sought-after palms in the landscape world — a rare and exceptional hybrid created by crossing the cold-hardy Pindo Palm (Butia capitata) with the elegant Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana).

Much like its namesake in the animal world, the Mule Palm combines the best traits of both parents to create something stronger, more resilient, and more visually striking than either species alone.

Why It’s Special

From the Queen Palm, the Mule inherits its graceful, arching fronds and tall, tropical silhouette — the look people love in South Florida and Caribbean landscapes.

From the Pindo Palm, it gains real cold tolerance, drought resistance, and structural strength, allowing it to thrive in climates where Queen Palms alone struggle or fail.

The result is a palm that looks lush and tropical but performs with the toughness needed for North and Central Florida. They are also a great option for those along the coast of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

We have proof they are cold-hardy down to 20 degrees and can tolerate frost and even light snow for short periods of time.

  • Tropical Queen Palm appearance
  • Significantly more cold-hardy
  • Stronger trunk and root structure
  • Better wind resistance
  • More tolerant of drought and stress
  • Non-invasive, clean canopy

Because they’re so tough and in such high demand, Mule Palms are a real game-changer for any wholesale nursery or landscape supplier looking to make a splash in the southern US marketplace.

Learn More

Hybrid Butia Capitatas

Since 2002, St. Augustine Exotics has specialized in the growing of hybrid trees for individual landscape project handlers, wholesale growers, nurseries, and landscape suppliers nationwide looking for high-quality hybrid inventory. A combination of the Butia capitata (pindo palm) and the Syagrus romanzoffiana (queen palm), the hybrid mule is touted as the best hybrid palm tree in the world, and for good reason—they are extremely hardy palms! Here are some fast facts about these queen palm trees for sale:

  • Common Name: Hybrid Mule Palm
  • Scientific Name: X Butiagrus
  • Growth Rate: Hybrid trees tend to grow very quickly!
  • Origin: It is believed that these hybrids can be found naturally occurring in parts of South America.
  • Salt Tolerance: These trees grow very well in coastal climates, and tolerate saltwater well.
  • Typical Height: Mule grow to between 30 and 35 feet tall.
  • Drought Tolerance: The hybrid mule tree is relatively drought tolerant.
  • Cold Tolerance: While mule palms are great for warm coastal climates, they also are remarkably cold-tolerant, able to survive temperatures of between 12 and 14 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on their age.

Because of their resilience, visual appeal, and strong landscape demand, Mule Palms are a profitable and reliable addition for wholesale growers, palm nurseries, and landscape supply companies across the southern United States.

Turn Your Yard into a Resort

Choose St. Augustine Exotics for Hybrid Queen Palms

The hybrid palm tree is frequently regarded as one of the most beautiful palm trees in Florida and is increasingly sought after by nurseries, wholesale growers, and landscape professionals looking for hardy, high-demand palms. Frost-hardy and with pinnate leaves, mule palms are a standout feature in warm and colder climates, and make a perfect addition to gardens that can benefit from a unique and rare palm. Boasting a lush appearance comparable to that of the coconut tree, the mule palm is an ideal choice for those interested.

We regularly work with wholesale buyers, palm nurseries, and growers seeking reliable Mule Palm seedling supply for resale or large-scale planting projects. To learn more about the hybrid mule palm trees at St. Augustine Exotics, please visit our frequently asked questions page or contact us at St. Augustine Exotics by calling 904-794-1363. We’re your premier source for hybrids of Butia capitatas and queen palm trees for sale in Saint Augustine and nationwide, and we look forward to assisting you!