Accession Count: 100
Common Name:
true date palm, date palm
Family Name:
Arecaceae
Botanical Name:
Phoenix dactylifera
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The date palm is an evergreen tree with fronds that are 15 to 20 feet long. Each palm has many pinnae that are 18 inches long. It is commonly characterized by its rough gray trunk up to 18 inches in diameter and a ‘feather-duster’ crown of gray-green fonds. These palms also produce offshoots at the base of the trunk. Typically seen as a single trunk tree, but can have multiple stems. Diamond pattern on trunk is usually present from leaf scars. This tree can reach 75 feet tall.
Compound:
Pho dac
Geographic Origin:
Middle East
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The earliest findings of date palms were around 5,000-6,000 B.C. in Iran, Egypt, and Pakistan. The date palm was commonly found in the Middle East (and still is), then brought to Spain by Moors (2). The Spanish then introduced the tree to the Americas.
Cultivation Notes:
The date palm can be propagated from seed but are usually propagated from suckers at the base of a mature female tree (2). Date palms have a moderate growth rate. They require small amounts of water and are suitable for fully sunny environments. Date palms are particularly susceptible to palm heart fungus rot and are hardy, suffering damage at temperatures below 18℉. This tree is dioecious. Fruit will begin to appear between 3 to 5 years. This palm prefers a well-drained but sandy soil (1). It does well in very hot environments but does require water to produce (2).
Ethnobotany:
Almost every part of the tree can be used. Timber and fabric are made from the wood and leaves of the tree. The leaves and fruit stalks can also be used for fuel. They also produce dates (soft or dry) which can be eaten and made into different food products. (2).
Height:
50 - 100 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
White
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
