Washingtonia robusta
Mexican Fan Palm Tree, Skyduster Palm, Thread Palm, Mexican Cotton Palm.
Description
Washingtonia robusta, commonly known as the Mexican fan palm, is a tall and slender palm tree with a grayish-brown trunk that tapers as it rises, often reaching heights of 20–30 meters (65–100 feet). Its crown consists of large, fan-shaped leaves measuring about 1–1.5 meters (3–5 feet) in diameter, with vibrant green blades and long petioles edged with sharp spines. Older leaves tend to droop, forming a “skirt” around the trunk, which can serve as shelter for wildlife. Small white flowers bloom in clusters, followed by tiny, dark fruit.
Native to the arid regions of northwestern Mexico, this palm thrives in sunny, well-drained areas and tolerates a wide range of soils. It is moderately resistant to drought and wind, making it a popular choice for landscaping in urban areas and coastal regions. The Washingtonia robusta can withstand cold temperatures down to approximately -6°C (21°F) but may require protection in prolonged frosts.
Characteristics
- Cold hardiness: 6°C (21°F)
- Growth speed: Fast
- Rarity: Common
Annotations and Curiosities
As you probably noticed, washingtonia robusta is extremely widely cultivated. It is easy to germinate, making it accessible for both commercial growers and hobbyists. Once established, it grows really quickly. Its resilience is another major reason for its popularity, it thrives in poor soils, tolerates drought and wind, and recovers well from damage like transplantation. These traits make it ideal for urban landscaping, coastal areas, and large-scale planting projects where reliability and fast results are important. These palms are often quite cheap, compared to others, making it another reason for its popularity.
Even though not often consumed, washingtonia robusta fruits are edible.
