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The Bismarck palm is a native of Madagascar that grows to a height of 30 to 60 feet with a spread of 12 to 16 feet. The massive 4-foot-wide costapalmate leaves are typically silver-green in color, but a light olive-green-leaved variety also exists. The bold texture and color and eventual great height of this species make a strong statement in any setting but can be overpowering in small residential landscapes. They are highly drought tolerant and moderately tolerant of salt spray on the leaves. Bismarck palms can be pruned at any time of the year, but only completely dead leaves should be removed by cutting the petiole close to the trunk. Avoid cutting leaves that are only partially dead, as these are serving as a supplemental source of potassium to the palms. Cutting living leaves also releases a volatile chemical that serves as an attractant for palmetto weevils. Bismarck palms are highly attractive to this pest, especially when stressed by cold temperatures, transplanting, or other environmental factors. Bismarck palms appear to be fairly disease resistant, but like all palms, are susceptible to Ganoderma butt rot, a fungal disease caused by Ganoderma zonatum. This disease causes decay in the lower part of the trunk that can result in instability of the palm and invariably its death. This disease is not treatable or preventable. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st101