Washingtonia filifera
California Fan Palm
The Washingtonia filifera, or California Fan Palm, is a robust, evergreen palm tree native to the southwestern United States. Known for its stout trunk and large, fan-shaped grey-green fronds, it reaches heights of 12 to 18 metres and is commonly found in desert and subtropical landscapes. Its unique characteristic is the fibrous threads that hang from the edges of the fronds, giving it a "filamentous" appearance.
Hardy and drought-tolerant, this iconic palm is often used in parks, streetscapes, and as a focal point in arid or Mediterranean gardens.
Specifications
- Height12 to 18 metres
- Width6 to 8 metres
- Native toSouthwestern United States (California, Arizona) and northern Mexico
- FoliageFan-shaped grey-green fronds with hanging fibres on the edges
- Growth rateModerate
Conditions
- SoilPrefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils; tolerates poor soils
- LightFull sun
- WaterLow; highly drought-tolerant once established
- ClimateThrives in desert, subtropical, and Mediterranean climates
Additional Features
- FormThick, columnar trunk with a crown of large, fan-shaped fronds
- Flowers and FruitProduces small, cream-coloured flowers followed by black edible berries
- UsesIdeal for feature planting, streetscapes, desert gardens, and wildlife habitats
- SpacingPlant 5 to 7 metres apart for individual impact or group plantings
- Low MaintenanceRequires occasional trimming of dead fronds ("skirting") to maintain a tidy appearance
- Pest ResistanceGenerally pest-free and resilient
- Salt ToleranceWell-suited for coastal plantings
- Environmental BenefitsProvides shade, habitat for birds, and erosion control
The California Fan Palm is a timeless and resilient tree, perfect for adding a touch of desert elegance and vertical structure to landscapes in arid and semi-arid regions.
Available Sizes
- Mature height2.0 to 8.0 m
- Clear trunk1.0 to 6.0 m
Supplied as advanced, project-grade specimens. Sizes above are the working supply range and are confirmed against your plant schedule. Proven for Middle East coastal projects.