Accession Count: 531
Common Name:
Mexican fan palm
Family Name:
Arecaceae
Botanical Name:
Washingtonia robusta
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Washingtonia robusta, also refered to as the Mexican fan palm, is a tall, slender palm tree that grows anywhere from 60 to 100 feet high. The tapering trunk noticeably flares at the base and is often exposing the roots. This plant is a member of the same genus as the California fan palm; and compared with W. filifera, W. robusta is typically taller but has a much narrower stem. The leaves protrude from the crown at the terminal end of the stem, and form a canopy that is usually 10 to 12 feet in diameter (1). Each broad, fan-shaped leaf measures three to four feet across and has barbed petioles that are bright green in color (1,2). When not pruned, the dead leaves hang down from the canopy and form a skirt. Long inflorescences of small cream-colored flowers bloom in the spring and are followed by black, fleshy fruits (2).
Compound:
Was rob
Geographic Origin:
Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The Mexican fan palm is native to Mexican deserts, such as Sonora and Baja California, Mexico (1). This palm tree is very common for landscapes throughout cities in the south and southwest United States such as Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, Nevada and along the California coast (2).
Cultivation Notes:
Adapted to desert climates, the fast-growing W. robusta grows best in full sun exposure, well-drained soils, and requires moderate to no water depending on the amount of rainfall in the region. This is a hardy plant, withstanding temperatures as low as 20oF and thrives in USDA Hardiness zones of nine through 11. There is no pruning required to promote structural integrity, although the dead palms of the skirt should be removed to prevent fire hazard, and are required to be removed by law in some regions (1,2).
Ethnobotany:
Popular in southwestern cities, the Mexican fan palm is often used in rows along streets and sidewalks. They are also outstanding specimens when displayed individually. For xeriscape techniques, W. robusta should be utilized in transition or arid zones (1). This species of palm tree has been known to be valuable to multiple indigenous tribes, utilizing different parts of the tree for various purposes; the fruit and leaves for example. The black fruit was consumed in a variety of ways, eaten fresh or dried, and soaked in water to make beverages. The leaves were used to make clothing, sandals, and baskets (3).
Height:
50 - 100 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Fall
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Cream
Function:
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
1. Walters, James E, and Balbir Backhaus.
Shade and Color with Water-Conserving Plants. Timber Press, 1992.
