Palm trees are generally native to and associated with tropical and subtropical environments. But some species of palms do grow and thrive in non-tropical climates. The Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix) is a prime example. Needle Palms are the most cold-hardy palms on Earth, and can withstand temperatures as much as 20 degrees below zero. While Needle Palms are native to the Southeastern United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina), they are known to grow as far north as New York.