Mexican Fan Palm Washingtonia robusta

Mexican fan palm is a tall, fast-growing perennial in the palm family (Arecaceae). It is native to northwest Mexico but has naturalized in parts of Florida, California, Hawaii, Louisiana and Texas. The genus name honors the first president of the United States, Gen. George Washington. The species epithet is Latin for “robust.”

Mexican fan palm is easy to grow in well-drained soil in full sun to partial sun. It is a drought-, wind- and salt-tolerant palm. Leaf damage can occur at 20 degrees F. Although native to dry areas, this palm will grow faster with access to constant moisture. It will, however, quickly succumb in constantly wet, anaerobic soils.

The Mexican fan palm has a columnar trunk that can reach up to 100 feet tall with a round crown of fan-shaped leaves that can grow 3 to 5 feet long. Rather than dropping off, dead leaves fold down against the trunk giving it a dense skirt. These are sometimes removed to prevent a fire hazard, but if left in place, they are excellent roosts for owls, bats and other beneficial wildlife. As the tree grows taller it may become self-pruning. Research has shown that tall palms in the northern hemisphere lean toward the south, and those growing in the southern hemisphere lean toward the north. 

It is often used in coastal plantings, but because of its height, it looks best in lawns with tall buildings or houses. It is also used in parking lots or as a street tree. It tolerates urban conditions and would be a good choice for a rain garden, arid garden or tropical garden.

Problems: Potassium deficiency can cause leaflet tip necrosis, leaf discoloration, and premature death of the oldest leaves. Few insect problems but watch for spider mites and scale. Fungus diseases can cause trunk rot.