Disney horticulture crews have made a quiet but noticeable change at EPCOT's entrance plaza, replacing the existing Foxtail palms with Sylvester palms that are better suited to Central Florida's occasional cold snaps.
The Foxtail palms suffered cold damage during last winter's freezes. Foxtail palms are more frost-sensitive than many palm varieties, making them a risky choice for a spot that can see freezing temperatures during Central Florida winters. Sylvester palms, by contrast, handle cold significantly better, which should help the new plantings stay healthy through future cold spells.
Three Sylvester palms now stand on each side of Spaceship Earth, creating a symmetrical frame along the main walkway leading toward the geosphere. Visitors heading into the park will walk beneath the new canopy as the trees mature and fill in.
This story was originally reported by WDWMAGIC.
