Washingtonia Palm

Mexican fan palm is a tall, fast-growing perennial in the palm family. It is native to northwest Mexico. The species epithet is Latin for “robust.”

It is a wind and salt tolerant palm. Although native to dry areas, this palm will grow faster with access to constant moisture. It will, however, quickly succumb in constantly wet, anaerobic soils.

The Mexican fan palm has a columnar trunk that can reach up to 100 feet tall with a round crown of fan-shaped leaves that can grow 3 to 5 feet long. Rather than dropping off, dead leaves fold down against the trunk giving it a dense skirt. Research has shown that tall palms in the northern hemisphere lean toward the south, and those growing in the southern hemisphere lean toward the north.

It is often used in coastal plantings, but because of its height, it looks best in lawns with tall buildings or houses. It is also used in parking lots or as a street tree. It tolerates urban conditions and would be a good choice for a rain garden, arid garden or tropical garden.

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