Palm Tree Looking Plants That Aren't True Palms

Many of the most popular plants looking like a palm tree aren’t palms at all! This guide includes indoor picks, outdoor options, and USDA zone notes for U.S. growers with low temperature limits for others.

Palms are a tropical design staple - tall, graceful, and lush. But not every plant with arching fronds and a thin trunk is a true palm. 

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Many Plants Look Like Palms - But Aren’t

Several plants resemble palm trees without being true palms.

From the easy-care Ponytail Palm to dramatic cycads and cold-hardy yuccas. Your best choice depends on where you plan to grow it, how much light it will get, and whether pets share your home. Don't miss our free comparison download in our "Takeaways" at the end.

We'll help you find the best for your intentions.

Best For Plant Why Choose It?
Indoor, low-light spaces Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegans 		A true palm that tolerates lower indoor light and is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Pet-conscious homes Cast Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior 		A tough, shade-tolerant plant with broad green leaves. It is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, although it looks less like a palm.
Outdoor gardens Ponytail Palm
Beaucarnea recurvata 		A striking specimen with a swollen trunk, cascading leaves, and impressive flowering clusters on mature plants grown outdoors.
Cold-hardy landscapes Yucca
Yucca species 		Several species tolerate freezing temperatures and add bold, spiky foliage to sunny landscapes. Cold tolerance varies by species.
A dramatic architectural look Sago Palm
Cycas revoluta 		A dramatic cycad with stiff, symmetrical fronds. Important: all parts are toxic to cats and dogs, especially the seeds.

Real Palm vs. Palm-Like: What’s the Difference?

Palm-like plants come from completely different plant families than true palms.

For instance, the families Asparagaceae and Cycadaceae have plants with a palm tree look. While true palms belong to the Arecaceae family.

While these others aren’t true palms, they’re often grouped alongside the Different Kinds of Palm Trees because of their similar appearance. And they're often misnamed "palm" - like with the Traveler’s Palm and the Ponytail Palm.

Palm-style plants usually share traits with authentic palms, like:

  • Fan-like, fern-like or feathery-shaped fronds.
  • Upright, woody trunks.
  • Graceful, arching growth appearance.

Plus if you're open to non-living options, Fake Palm Tree Plants can offer a similar look without any maintenance.

But how is it they have similar appearances? Because of a natural process that evolved called convergent evolution.

How did Non-Palms Come to Look Like Palms?

Convergent evolution is when animals or plants from different families end up looking or acting similar, even though they're not closely related.

True palm trees have certain features like tall trunks with big, flowing leaves at the top. But we see other plants that aren't really palm trees at all, but look just like them!

These palm look-alikes, like some cycads and yuccas, have developed similar traits because they live in similar environments as palms. So it's not because they're from the same plant family or genus.

So, palms and palm-like plants may look like brothers and sisters. But it's more like they're distant cousins who just happen to dress alike!

And Palm tree looking plants also bring your senses to the tropics!

They have you thinking about Vacationing, Relaxation, and Sunny Vibes. Their dramatic leaves and upright growth habit make them popular indoor and landscape choices.

not a baby palm tree, just a look alike growing in pebbled landIs this a baby palm tree? No - it's a palm tree looking plant.
Imitation bottle palmA true palm? Yes, but this one is artificial!
badly trimmed tall palm with only a few leavesA true palm? Yes, with a bad trim! Click for Why>

Palm Tree Looking Plants to Know and Grow

Are you trying to find...

We've categorized plants that seem to be palms, but really aren't - by what you might have in mind.

We also let you know which plants to avoid when living with pets. Because some palm-tree-like plants contain toxins - defensive compounds meant to keep predators away. Irritation and/or illness occurs if they're not properly handled or if they're ingested.

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Palm-Like Plants for Your Living Room

Monstera deliciosa Plant

Monstera deliciosa is its species name, with Swiss Cheese Plant the common name. A very palmy looking plant, native to Mexico, in southern tropical forests.

Popular houseplant that's commonly mistaken for a palm. It's also favored for Outdoor Landscaping Plans in the tropics. It's For Purchase Here>

Indoor/Outdoor: Usually best inside

Height: In most indoor settings it may reach 6-8ft/2.4m in most home environments.

Toxicity: Nontoxic, it even has edible fruit (think of deliciosa).

Light: Light shade, place it adjacent to a southern window.

Water: Regularly during the growing season, less in winter.

USDA Zones: Placed outdoors - USDA Zones 10-12, tolerating frosty temps to 30oF/-1.1oC.

Monstera palm in a pot This Monstera looks quite real, but it's artificial. Easy care!

Dwarf Umbrella Tree

This species, Schefflera arboricola, has glossy, umbrella-shaped leaves. The fronds usually arch outward, mimicking a palm canopy.

Here's One Already in a Decorative Planter.

Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor planting is preferable.

Height:  To 6ft/1.5m high.

Toxicity: Mildly Toxic From Calcium Oxalate crystals which if eaten can irritate the mouth and throat - causing difficulty swallowing. (These crystals are also in several true palms.)

Light: Bright, indirect. Too much sunlight can burn the leaves.

Water: Let the soil get nearly dry, then rewater deeply.

USDA Zones: If outdoors okay for Zones 10-12, can handle temperary lows of 30oF/-1.1oC.

palmy looking tropical plantStems lead to multiple leaflets, appearing umbrella-shaped.

Sago Palm Scientific Name

One of the most convincing palm look-alikes. Cycas revoluta, is the scientific name for this cycad. More like conifers than palms, it doesn't produce flowers.

Also called the Japanese Sago Palm and King Sago Palm. Palmy-like because stiff, dark green fronds grow out from a central trunk.

This One is Ready to Go to Your Home.

Indoor/Outdoor: Both

Height: It can get 10ft/3m high outdoors, lots less indoors - either way, exceedingly slowly.

Toxicity: Sago Palm parts - all of them - have cycasin which is highly toxic to pets or humans. Especially the seeds. 

Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade.

Water: Keep its soil moist & well-drained.

USDA Zones: 9-12. Cold tolerant for low temperatures to 20oF/-6.7oC for a short time.

Sago Palm tree planted in front of a large one story buildingThe interesting Sago Palm that's not a palm! Growing in Japan

Is a Dragon Tree a Good Houseplant?

Dracaena marginata is in the Asparagaceae family. Narrow leaves and an upright stem trick many. Like palms, it is an angiosperm - A Flowering Plant for You.

Indoor/Outdoor: Perhaps the ideal palm look-alike as an indoor houseplant.

Height: Indoors - trimming management helps it get no more than 6ft/1.8m.

Toxicity: Toxic to animals and humans. More dangerous to animals - your pets, than it is for people.

  • The toxic chemical is called saponin.
  • It can cause digestive issues along with vomiting, and uncontrolled drooling.

Light: Bright, indirect.

Water: Medium amount for uniformly moist soil in growing season. Less other seasons.

USDA Zones: 10-12, quite hardy it tolerates short temperature bursts of 30oF/-1.1oC.

Palm Tree Looking Plants for a Shady Corner

It may be a shady corner outdoors in your yard, filtered by tall tree leaves. Or is may be a shady corner of you home, that doesn't get much sunlight coming in.

There are non-arecaceae palmy-like plants for these places.

How tall does Cordyline rubra grow?

The Palm Lily (Cordyline rubra) is in the Asparagaceae family.

Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoors is preferred. But This Cordyline Cousin is perfect and stunning indoors.

Height: Can get 10ft/3m tall - but slowly.

Toxicity: Mild...

  • Contains saponins, similar to other Cordyline species. 
  • Can cause digestive upset if eaten.

Light: Needs partial to full shade, locate it appropriately.

Water: Lots of regular watering for this striking accent plant.

USDA Zones: 10a, can shortly take temps down to 30oF/-1.1oC.

Cordyline species in a forest preserveCordyline rubra growing in a New South Wales AU preserve in Alstonville.

More Shaded Area Outdoor Choices for Palm-Tree-Like Plants

Screw Palm (Pandanus utilis) is also called Screw Pine. Family is Pandanaceae.

  • It has prop roots. Capable of reaching 60ft/13.3m high, but not usually seen over 30ft/9.1m. 
  • Best outdoors USDA zone 10-11, with temperature drops no lower than 30oF/-1.1oC.
  • Sunny/part-sunny with drought hardiness.

Panama Hat Palm (Carludovica palmata): Cyclanthaceae family. AKA Toquila Palm.

  • Looking very palm-like its leaves are used to weave Panama hats. The family is a close palm relative but separate from Arecaceae.
  • Best in full or dappled shade, grows fairly quickly with moderate watering.
  • Gets 13ft/4m tall but trunks is underground. Ideal climate is very tropical, Zone 10b-12, temps no lower than 35oF/1.7oC.
two plants that look like palms but are not palms

Palm Look-Alikes for a Patio Setting

What Giant Yucca Height is Possible?

Formerly classified as Yucca elephantipes but now is Yucca gigantea. Several common names: spineless yucca, soft-tip yucca, blue-stem yucca, yucca cane, and itabo. Here's One to Evaluate for Your Home.

Indoor/Outdoor: Best outdoors for its height.

Height: Tall (up to 30ft/9.1m - a bit shorter indoors), tough, and sculptural. Excellent for minimal-care landscapes and lined up along patios.

Toxicity: Mildly toxic from saponins. Which causes bodily irritation and digestive problems if it's swallowed.

Light: Brightly direct or a little shade.

Water: Medium needs, let it dry in-between. It's drought tolerant.

USDA Zones: 9-10, able to bear with lowest temperatures of 20oF/-6.7oC for a little while.

two yucca tree trunks to the crown growing in a container outdoorsSeems like a desert palm - but it's not!

Cardboard Palm Plant for Potting

The Cardboard palm (Zamia furfuracea) is a slow-grower in the Zamiaceae family. This short cycad, suitable for growing in A Decorative Planter.

Check Out This One>

Indoor/Outdoor: Either way, but mostly suited for indoors or outdoors in a container.

Height: Only gets to a maximum of 4ft/1.2m, with a trunk that often stays buried.

Toxicity: As with all cycads, poisonous to animals and people. Its seeds are the worst, even leading to death.

Light: Is fine with full sun or partial shade.

Water: Water moderately, but are drought tolerant.

USDA Zones: 9a-11b, so it can tolerate short frosty bursts to 20oF/-6.7oC lows.

Cardboard palm with its seed coneThis Cardboard Palm has a seed cone instead of using flowers for reproduction.

Palm-Like Plants for Your Outdoor Landscape

Banana Plant - for Full Sun or Shade?

Musa acuminata offers tall, arching leaves that sway like palm fronds. But it's not a palm, its family is Musaceae. It does need space and humidity for healthy survival. Here are two Beautiful Variegated Types to Consider.

Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor or large indoor spaces with very bright sunlight.

Height: Maxes out at about 20ft/6m.

Toxicity: Fully safe, with edible fruit.

Light: Full sun 6+ hours/day.

Water: Lots of water during warm weather and while fruiting.

USDA Zones: 10a-11b, meaning it could take a very short cold snap of 30oF/-1.1oC temperatures.

banana tree growing in a wild areaBanana Plant in the Caribbean

Japanese Aralia for Cold Hardiness

Fatsia japonica is a broad-leafed beauty in the Araliaceae family.

Also called figleaf palm, paperplant, false castor-oil plant, or Japanese aralia. Often grouped with palms in tropical gardens due to its dramatic foliage. But it's in the Araliaceae family. Why Not See if You'd Like It?

Indoor/Outdoor: Both can happen, but outdoors is better.

Height: Getting up to 19ft/5.8m.

Toxicity: Non-toxic.

Light: Partial to full shade.

Water: Occasional full wetting, drought tolerant when established.

USDA Zones: 7b-10b, much more cold hardy. Typically can survive low temps to 5oF/-15oC.

many lobed leaves of the paperplantView of the crown with a close-up of the leaves.

Ponytail Palm Care Basics

The Ponytail Palm, no matter its name, is not a palm at all!

That's the Common Name Given to Beaucarnea recurvata. Which is actually a succulent, an agave. This palm tree looking plant is quite popular.

Even though it's often grown outdoors, it can work indoors for tabletops or floor displays.

Flowering Ponytail palmsThese Pony Tail Palms are in their wonderful flowering stage. Rising from the crown's top.

With its bulbous base and long, thin fronds, this small palm-like plant resembles a mini palm tree.

Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoors preferable when possible, but can do indoors with the right placement.

Height: 30ft/9.1m outdoors, but much smaller indoors.

Toxicity: Fully non-toxic. Some confuse it with toxic palm look-alikes. But it is safe.

Light: Full sun, or inside near sunny windows

Water: Water deeply & infrequently. Overwatering is the Most Common cause of failure. As its native to semi-deserts.

USDA Zones: 9-10, which brings its low temperature toleration to 20oF/-6.7oC.

See What's New

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  1. What Is a Palm Frond? Parts, Growth, and Uses

    a guide to the different parts of the two types of fronds and a spear growing from the top of the crown
    Get a clear answer to what a palm frond is, how it grows from the crown, the main frond types, and why palm fronds matter to the whole palm tree.

    Read More

Tree Aloes

The Tree Aloe, Aloidendron barberae, is a succulent (able to store water) yucca, which people mistake for a palm. It's in the Asparagaceae family. The Box Tree Store has them - and they ship.

Indoor/Outdoor: Best outside

Height: 30ft/9.1m or even a bit more, why it's grown outside.

Toxicity: mild...

  • Contains aloin (aka barbaloin), a yellow sappy latex just under the skin of the outer leaf layer.
  • May cause skin irritation on contact, especially with sensitive individuals.
  • If ingested, digestive issues and diarrhea may arise.
  • More dangerous to pets than humans.

Light: Full to partial sun.

Water: Drought tolerant, douse monthly in growing season. None in winter.

USDA Zones: 8-24, some hardiness to endure temps as low as 10oF/-12.2oC for a time.

Tree aloeNotice the branching on these Tree Aloes. Branching is extremely rare for palms.

So then, does Aloe Vera have toxins?

Aloe vera does have a toxin. It's aloin again.

  • The aloin is a clear gel inside the leaves.
  • Acts as a powerful laxative that can be dangerous if ingested. Pets are especially sensitive.
  • Can cause severe digestive issues and cramping.
  • Has even been banned by the FDA as a laxative ingredient.

Yet, as we all know, aloe has beneficial properties.

  • Aloin is removed from commercial Aloe Vera Products.
  • That process ensures Aloe vera benefits are safely available.

Giant White Bird of Paradise Works Well in Sunlight!

Strelitzia nicolai is also Called the Wild Banana. A plant in the Strelitziaceae family.

Its long, upright leaves resemble banana or palm foliage. Adds bold height and tropical flair indoors.

Indoor/Outdoor: Both.

Height: Can get 30ft/9.1m tall.

Toxicity: Mildly toxic, particularly its flowers and seeds. It contains two toxins: hydrocyanic acid and tannins.

Light: Bright, direct.

Water: Average needs.

USDA Zones: 9-11, temporary toleration for 20oF/-6.7oC.

New Zealand Cabbage Tree | 
A Palm Tree Looking Plant for Outdoors

Cordyline australis is also known as the Cabbage tree.

Its plant family is Agavaceae. Although native to NZ, it's seen in many cooler climates outside that country.

Indoor/Outdoor: outdoors does it best

Height: Can reach 60ft/18.3m tall outdoors, but 15ft/4.6m in a container.

Toxicity: nontoxic

Light: Full size to some shade.

USDA Zones: Their hardiness zone range is 7-10, survival down to 0oF/-17.8oC momentarily.

Water: Average, keeping it moist but well-drained.

cabbage tree of New Zealand looks similar to a palmA looker growing nicely in rural New Zealand

Traveler's Palm Growth

Traveler's palm, Ravenala madagascariensis is in the Strelitziaceae family.

It's exotically distinctive looking with the whole crown shaped like a fan. The fonds are reminiscent of a banana plant, a relative. It's not a palm but does look somewhat like a Triangle Palm (Dypsis decaryi), a true palm.

Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoors is best because of its massive size.

Height: Grows at a moderate rate to 30ft/9.2m with a wide crown.

Toxicity: Nontoxic

Light: Full sun, but partial, dappled shade will work.

Water: Moderately, but can withstand drought.

USDA Zones: 10a-11, only in frost free areas. You Can Try Growing One From Seed.

three Traveler's Palms surrounded by true palm treesTraveler's Palm quadruplets surrounded by true palms.

Palm Like Plants Used for Outdoor Ground Cover

Cast Iron Plant Physical Characteristics

Aspidistra elatior is slow-growing and very tough. Its upright, tropical leaves make it an understated palm alternative for low-light rooms. It's an angiosperm in the family Asparagaceae. With many variants.

Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoors it spreads, like a ground-cover. Indoors Also Works Fine. 

Height: Only gets 2-3ft/61-91cm high, making it ideal as an indoor potted plant.

Toxicity: None.

Light: Low light.

Water: Regular irrigation, drought tolerant.

USDA Zones: 7-11, so likely survival for temporary temperatures down to 0oF/-17.8oC.

two potted plants in entrywayMore nicknames: bar-room plant, and in Japan it's haran or baran.

Palm Grass | Setaria palmifolia Uses

Scientifically called Setaria palmifolia, Palm Grass is in the Poaceae family. It's a true grass with pleated, palm-like leaves. Commonly found in seaside environments. Yet grown as a garden plant.

Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoors as a spreading ground cover.

Height: It can get 6ft/1.8m tall in its most supportive conditions, but often more like 2-3ft/61-91cm.

Toxicity: Non-toxic, but many view it as a weed.

Light: Sun or shade

USDA Zones: 8b+, can survive temperatures as low as 15/-9.4 15oF/-9.4oC.

Water: Low water needs. In fact dryer soil may control it from getting too tall.

Grass with palm like leaves

REFERENCES
Mahr S. (2026 Sept) Cycads. Division of Extension Articles. Wisconsin Horticulture. hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/cycads/
San Marcos Growers (nd) Setaria palmifolia - Palm Grass. Products. smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=741
Petruzzello, M (2023, June 22). Asparagaceae. Encyclopedia Britannica. britannica.com/plant/Asparagaceae
Extension Gardener (nd) Ravenala madagascariensis. North Carolina Plant Toolbox. NC State Extension. plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ravenala-madagascariensis/
San Marcos Growers (nd) Cordyline. smgrowers.com/info/cordyline.asp
Petruzzello M (2020, Aug 31). Strelitziaceae. Encyclopedia Britannica. britannica.com/plant/Strelitziaceae
Mahr, Susan & Dan (nd) Ponytail Palm - Beaucarnea recurvata. Division of Extension Articles. Wisconsin Horticulture. hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/ponytail-palm-beaucarnea-recurvata/
Extension Gardener (nd) Musa acuminata. North Carolina Plant Toolbox. NC State Extension. plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/musa-acuminata/
Pritchard, K (1985 - 2026) Carludovica palmata Ruiz & Pav. (Cyclanthaceae). Plant 123. Oxford Plants 400, Dept. of Biology, University of Oxford. herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400/Profiles/CD/Carludovica
Gilman EF, Hilbert D, Watson DG, Klein R, Koeser A & McLean D.C (2019, April 25) Pandanus utilis: Screw-Pine. doi.org/10.32473/EDIS-ST430-1993
Extension Gardener (nd) Heptapleurum arboricola. North Carolina Plant Toolbox. NC State Extension. plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/heptapleurum-arboricola/
Extension Gardener (nd) Monstera deliciosa. North Carolina Plant Toolbox. NC State Extension. plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/monstera-deliciosa/
Chetan-Welsh H & Hendry L (3 Aug 2022) Convergent evolution explained with 13 examples. Natural History Museum. nhm.ac.uk/discover/convergent-evolution.html

Frequently Asked Questions

What plant looks like a palm tree but isn't?

Several plants have that palm-like look. Probably those most commonly mistaken for palms are:

  • The Sago Palm - Cycas revoluta is a cycad, a gymnosperm more closely related to conifers than to palms, which are in the Arecaceae family. Its feathery fronds and shaggy trunk make it seem a palm, and the common name reinforces the mistake. See It Now>
  • Ponytail Palm - Beaucarnea recurvata, a member of the Asparagaceae family (agave and yucca subfamily). It’s sold as a “palm” in nearly every big-box store, most people never learn otherwise. See It Now>
  • Traveler’s Palm - Ravenala madagascariensis is more banana-like than palm-like. People see the large fronds and the trunk and call it a palm. See It Now> It also looks similar to the Triangle Palm - which is a true palm.

Can a dog survive Sago Palm poisoning?

Yes, it's possible for a dog to survive. If its gets to the vet without delay for aggressive treatment. The dog's outcome depends on the amount consumed plus how fast treatment starts.

Sago Palm Poisoning is extremely serious for dogs or cats. It can be fatal. Sago palms contain cycasin. A toxin that's highly poisonous to canines.

Even small amounts can cause severe symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure, possibly even death. Immediate veterinary attention is essential if you suspect your pet has eaten some.

Your vet may induce vomiting, give activated charcoal for absorption & elimination, start an IV for fluids, and add liver protectants. While giving supportive care.

If you have a pet, think seriously about Growing Sago Palms, if it's worth the risk. Prevention is the best solution.

Takeaways for palm tree looking plant

You've seen that many plants share the distinctive tropical appearance of palm trees without actually being true palms.

These palm tree looking plants include cycads, yuccas, dracaenas, and others. Each has unique traits along with that desirable palm-like vibe.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE LOOK-ALIKES CHEAT SHEET>

If you desire an indoor decorative option or some outdoor landscaping alternatives, we hope we've gotten you better understanding of these palm-like plants. You might now choose the perfect one for you, with knowing the basics of proper care.

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About the Authors: Karen McGowan is the creator of MissionPalmTrees.com, and The Palm Species Navigator, along with her husband Bill. Where they share easy to read palm tree expertise gained from years of finding and studying palms in varied climates. So readers will know palms, and can avoid costly palm planting mistakes. Learn more.

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