Our Palm Trees
Fan Palms
Mediterranean Fan Palm - Chamaerops humilis:
The Mediterranean fan palm is a small, multi-trunked (though it can be trained to have a single trunk instead), hardy palm—perfect for windy conditions. The curved, clumping, short trunks and gray-green, fan-shaped leaves make it a stunning sculptural element in a garden or patio container. It is a very slow-growing tree, growing approximately 6 inches yearly up to heights ranging from 8 to 15 feet tall. This makes it a great tree for the small-to-mid-sized Mediterranean garden. It will grow in full sun or shade and can survive harsh cold or dry heat. |
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Mexican Fan Palm - Washingtonia robusta:
Towering, drought-tolerant, and spectacular to behold, the Mexican Fan Palm is quintessentially Californian. Because this tree grows quickly (to as tall as 100 feet!), even large specimens are affordable. They are happiest in full sun, but will tolerate some shade while young. It will tolerate poor soil and is hardy to about 20-25 degrees F. Transplant with a large root ball to ensure survival. |
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Guadalupe Palm - Brahea edulis:
This medium sized, slow-growing palm grows up to 30ft. It is more commonly available at 15 feet or less. Guadalupe Palms are both wind and salt tolerant and are hardy to 20F. They thrive in drier subtropical conditions and don't do as well with constant humidity. This tree will not form a “skirt” of dead leaves like many fan palms. They grow in almost any soil type and water is needed infrequently. Once established, this tree needs little or no care. |
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Windmill Palm - Trachycarpus fortunei:
The Windmill Palm is one of the hardiest palms in cultivation, capable of withstanding fairly severe freezes with no damage. It is quite easily recognized by its fan shaped leaves and thin trunk covered with dark brown fiber. A very slow-growing palm, Windmill Palm can reach 40 ft in height but is often seen much smaller (10-20 ft tall). It can be container grown for more than 15 years. It does well in confined areas and can handle temperatures to 22F degrees with little or no trouble. This tree does better in shade or partial shade, although it is tolerant of full sun on well-drained soils when given ample moisture in the northern part of its range. |
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Cycads
Sago Palm - Cycas revoluta :
Contrary to the Sago Palm's common name, it is not a palm at all, but rather a Cycad (Cycas revoluta). Cycas revoluta, one of the most primitive living seed plants, are very unusual and popular ornamentals. A rugged trunk, topped with whorled feathery leaves has lead to the common name "Sago Palm.” It has palm-like fronds on a stalk, is trunked with age and resembles a fern when young. The Sago Palm grows to be 10-20ft tall with age and is extremely slow growing (a plant that has three to four feet of trunk is typically about 20 years of age or older). Cycads are also remarkably long-lived. It is one of the easiest plants to grow, indoors or out, by beginner or expert. The Cycad adapts to a wide range of temperatures from 15 to 110 degrees F, accepts full sun or bright interior light, thrives with attention, and tolerates neglect. Overall it is quite versatile and easy to grow. |
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Tree Palms
Chilean wine palm - Jubaea chilensis:
The mythical Chilean Wine Palm! This rare and fantastic palm thrives in the Bay Area. That is, if you can find one. A wine is made from the sap of this palm that is said to have euphoric effects. Unfortunately, to get the sap you must fell the tree. This practice has caused a scarcity of mature Chilean Wine Palms. For the collector, the Chilean represents the pinnacle of a palm collection. The growth rate of the Chilean is exceptionally slow. It has an enormous trunk and a substantial crown of silvery blue fronds. It may reach 80 feet. The Jubaea requires a sunny location but can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -15 °C. Once established it will tolerate drought well. |
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