Accession Count: 174
Common Name:
Canary Island date palm
Family Name:
Arecaceae
Botanical Name:
Phoenix canariensis
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The Canary Island date palm is a slow growing tree that can reach heights of 50 to 60 feet. The trunk can reach a diameter of four feet and is covered with an attractive, diamond-shaped pattern from old leaf scars. It is topped with a crown of eight to fifteen-foot-long, stiff leaves. The leaves have extremely sharp spines at their bases and are deep green in color. The stems are yellow in color. The stalks of inconspicuous flowers are replaced with clusters of one inch diameter, orange-yellow, ornamental fruits which ripen in early summer. The dates are oblong and about one and a half inches in length. They consist of a large pointed seed surrounded by sweet sugary flesh. Dates are formed from flowers on four foot inflorescences that emerge from among the leaves in spring, or early summer.
Compound:
Pho can
Geographic Origin:
Canary Islands
Ecozone Origin:
Afrotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
"The Canary Island date palm is native to the Canary Islands, located along the coast of northeast Africa. In the mid- to late nineteenth century, the Canary Island date palm became one of the most widely cultivated ornamental palms in the world. In Southern Europe it became a symbol of wealth, privilege and sunny holidays, especially along the Côte d’Azur in France. In the United States, in Florida and California, it was a popular landscape palm for both small homes and large estates, a symbol of gracious living at whatever economic stratum. It has a recognizable habit and was often photographed, so the rise in popularity of this palm can be traced through written records, postcards and historic photographs. Records of the introduction of Phoenix canariensis into the gardens of the world are poor. The difficulty in tracing its introduction to cultivation arises from the fact that early botanists and horticulturists did not distinguish the Canary Island date palm from the true date palm (P. dactylifera).”
Cultivation Notes:
This tree grows best in a subtropical environment. The fruits, or dates, do not grow in cold conditions. Pruning should be done in late spring or early summer. This tree grows best at temperatures above 50℉. The Canary Island date palm is a slow grower and will do well in containers while young. It will typically require substantial amounts water and does best in sunny locations. It is a hardy palm that suffers damage at temperatures below 20 ℉.
Ethnobotany:
Canary Island date palm trees have been utilized as a theme generating focal point in landscapes worldwide for decades.The Palms are used generally along parks and streets. The Canary Island date palm has value as a container plant, or outstanding by itself in a landscape.
Height:
50 - 100 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
White
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
(http://www.learnedgardener.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Zona_2008_history_of_Phoenix_canariensis.92103141.pdf)
(http://www.sunpalmtrees.com/Cold-Hardy-Palm-Trees-Canary-Island-Date-Palms.htm)
Duffield, Mary Rose., and Warren D. Jones. Plants For Dry Climates - How To Select, Grow And Enjoy. Lane Publishing Company, 1992.
