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California Fan Palm
Washingtonia filifera
In stock
15 gallon
Plant Care
Native region:
Local Native
Water needs:
Moderate
Exposure:
Mature size:
Growth rate:
Full Sun
50'x15'
Moderate
Flower color:
Flower season:
Pruning:
White
Summer
None
Wildlife
Monarchs:
No
Nectar pollinators:
No
Nighttime pollinators:
Yes
Rabbit resistant:
Yes
Commonly called desert fan palm or California fan palm, it is native to southwest Arizona, southern California, Baja California, and Sonora, Mexico. It is the only palm native to the western United States and is the country's largest native palm. It is an evergreen monocot with large sprays of creamy white flowers, up to 15 feet long, appearing in summer, followed by abundant clusters of small, pea-sized black fruits. The canopy can grow to be 10 to 15 feet in diameter, and the heavy, stout stem is typically three feet thick and reaches 40- 50 feet high. The fan-shaped leaves are approximately three to six feet wide and have many folds. The leaves, which are dull green do not fall off when they grow old, but instead hang down to form a "skirt." If left untrimmed, the skirt may reach the length of the stem and serves to protect the trunk from freezing. It may also play a role in making the tree fire resistant. Quickly moving, relatively cool fires burn the skirt but not the trunk itself. These skirts also serve as important habitats for wildlife.
Primarily found in Creosote Bush Scrub and Desert Riparian habitats such as rivers, seeps and springs, this palm is a keystone species in Desert Oases, and supports desert species of wildlife, such as the Western Yellow Bat, the Hooded Oriole and the Palm Flower Moth.
Although Fan Palm grows near springs, it is actually quite drought-adapted in gardens. Place in well-drained soil in full sun.
Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information
The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!
Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.
Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.