Washingtonia robusta

Mexican Fan Palm

Tree

The Mexican Fan Palm (on the left in photograph) is a very tall (80 to 100 feet), evergreen tree with a skinny trunk grows faster than its North American counterpart, the California Fan Palm (on the right in photograph). They are almost indistinguishable when young, but the Mexican has a reddish streak along the underside of the leaf stalk near the trunk.

Temperature

Damaged in the low 20s but comes back quickly in spring.

Water requirements

Moderate or ample for fast growth. Occasional deep irrigation is satisfactory. Drought tolerant once established.

Sun

Part to full sun.

Soil

Tolerant. Prefers improved garden soil.

Maintenance

Periodic grooming and seasonal trimming of tall palms to remove old leaves and blossom stalks.

Disadvantages

Mature palms difficult to groom and require professional tree trimmers. Thatch left on palms may appear ragged and uneven. Foliage on younger palms is subject to frost damage. Volunteers in inappropriate locations of irrigated landscapes. Lightening strike will kill the tree. Creatures live in thatch.

Bloom

Long straw-colored streamers in spring develop sprays of tiny white flowers.

Fruit or Seeds

Fruit is black and sticky.

Uses

Specimen or in pairs or clumps. Streets, parks, entrances and public places. Silhouette against the sky or tall structures.

Origin

Native of Mexico. Member of the Arecaceae (Palmae) family.

Themes

Tropical, Mediterranean

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