Accession Count: 33
Common Name:
windmill palm
Family Name:
Arecaceae
Botanical Name:
Trachycarpus fortunei
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Tra for
Geographic Origin:
East Asia
Ecozone Origin:
Indomalaya
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Windmill palm trees are one of the most iconic plants in the world. It is widely known for it’s tropical look and height. These unique trees originated in East Asia, specifically the Chusan Islands. Robert Fortune smuggled Windmill palm plants from China into the Kew Horticultural Gardens and into the Royal garden of Prince Albert of England in 1849 after the Opium Wars of China ended (5). These interesting plants have since been established in numerous locations across the planet. For example, it has become increasingly popular in the United States. It is commonly grown as a landscape specimen in central and northern Florida, the southeastern U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and in mild areas along the west coast (3). Due to the tree’s strong reputation, citizens can purchase the entire tree or buy seeds capable of cultivation. They are also common because of it’s beauty and essential ability to resist cold temperature. With that being said, windmill palm trees have a status of being one of the hardiest plants to exist. It has an amazing ability to survive, even when completely defoliated (2).
Cultivation Notes:
Cultivation is vital to the upbringing and maintenance of windmill palm trees. Due to it’s slow growth rate, windmill palms are known as one of the coldest hardy plants in the entire world. There are also fibers that shelter the tree, which contributes to the overall hardiness. The brown-gray color of the burlap-like fibers covers the trunk like a wool covering in winter, and the dark color attracts the warmth of the sunlight (4). As long as it’s possible to drain effectively, various types of soil can be used in developing windmill palms. Adding approximately 20% of sand to 80% of dirt will help to accomplish better drainage for the home gardener (4). These fascinating trees also have tremendous salt tolerance, along with rare disease and insect issues. Furthermore, windmill palms cultivate best in partial shade and sunlight because it needs sufficient wetness. For the best results, water it every other day, for the first three months, and weekly for the remainder of its first year (4).
Ethnobotany:
Windmill palm trees are used in a variety of ways but mainly in the form of decoration. It is frequently used as a patio plant for houses or as a beautification asset for apartments and buildings. There are fine examples of mass plantings where palms are spaced six to 10 feet apart around a patio or sitting area (1). Particularly, these plants have been used to line an entry path to numerous structures, which adds a great amount of classiness. Additionally, windmill palms attract many people because of it’s tropical features and natural beauty. Consequently, they provide a sense of tourist attraction because they interest and excite plenty of individuals. It is very attractive planted in groves and groupings especially when plants of different heights are staggered in irregular patterns (3). Lastly, these trees also deliver shade to countless people and animals. They are exclusively used as shade in the hot months, which is extremely important.
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Fall
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Patio
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
