Description
Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the windmill palm, is a cold-hardy, fan-leaved palm. It has a slender, rough-textured trunk covered with a dense mat of brown fibers from old leaf bases. Its fan-shaped fronds are dark green, about 1 meter (3 feet) wide, with deeply divided segments and long, bare petioles. It produces small, dark blue-black fruits.
Native to mountainous regions of central and eastern China, the windmill palm thrives in well-drained soils and can grow in full sun to partial shade. It is highly wind-resistant, moderately drought-tolerant, and exceptionally cold-hardy, enduring temperatures down to -18°C (0°F). Its ability to thrive in cooler climates makes it one of the most widely cultivated palms in temperate regions, valued for its tropical appearance and resilience.