Washingtonia Robusta “Mexican Fan Palm”

Washingtonia Robusta

Washingtonia robusta, commonly known as the Mexican fan palm, is a species of palm tree native to the deserts of northwestern Mexico. It is widely planted as an ornamental tree in warm climates around the world, particularly in Southern California, the southwestern United States, and other tropical and subtropical regions.

Key Characteristics of Washingtonia robusta:

• Size: It is a tall palm, growing up to 80 feet (24 meters) in height, with a slender trunk.
• Leaves: The leaves are large, fan-shaped, and can be up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide. They are a blue-green color and are supported by long petioles (leaf stalks).
• Trunk: The trunk is long, slender, and typically smooth, but it has a characteristic “boot” or “fibrous” appearance at the base, which is made up of old leaf bases.
• Flowers: The tree produces small white flowers that grow in large clusters on tall inflorescences. These flowers later develop into small, round black fruits.
• Growth rate: Washingtonia robusta grows quickly and is tolerant of a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
• Hardiness: It is quite drought-tolerant once established and can withstand a variety of environmental conditions, including high heat. However, it is sensitive to frost and typically does not survive in areas that experience cold winters.