The fishtail palm was named for its unusual leaves – shaped like a jagged fish’s tail – which form thick, swirled layers of ruffled fronds. Fishtails are clustering palms that grow dense and full. They can be used as privacy screens – especially while they’re young – and create a draping mass of deep green leaves among large trunks as they age. Many homeowners opt for growing a fishtail in an area where they’ve been considering clumping bamboo. It won’t spread as much or grow as fast as bamboo, but gives the same kind of tropical look and privacy.