Coontie: Identifying Characteristics
Habitat:
Coontie generally grows in dry, well-drained areas like pine flatwoods. It is often found in association with pine trees.
Size/Form:
Coonties grow between 1' and 3' high. The form of the plant resembles that of a fern, with many linear, pinnately-compound leaves arising from a central area and spreading outwards. There is usually no above-ground stem.
Leaves:
The leaves are pinnately-compound, with pairs of linear leaflets. The foliage is often shiny.
Seed/Pollen Cones:
Cycads are dioecious, meaning that they have separate male and female plants. The seed and pollen cones appear on separate plants and are held upright, just above ground level in the center of the leaves. The pollen cones are about 1-2" wide and 3-4" long. The seed cones are 3-4" wide and 4-5" long. The bright orange seeds are initially held out of view under the scales of the cone, but they swell as they mature, eventually breaking the cone apart and spilling out.