The Mexican Fan Palm Tree, scientific name Washingtonia robusta, is a very popular indoor and outdoor palm because of its striking appearance and cold hardiness which makes it a great choice for landscapes in USDA zones 8b-11. This is a cold-hardy, drought-resistant, and inexpensive palm that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Washingtonia robusta can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas.

​

​

​

Mexican Fan Palm Tree Info

 

Scientific name: Washingtonia robusta

​

Common names: The Mexican Fan Palm is also known as Washington Palm and Skyduster.

​

Family: Arecaceae

​

Origin: It is native to desert regions of Mexico.

​

Appearance: It has a single gray trunk ringed by old leaf bases, about 13 inches in diameter. The Mexican Fan Palm requires some maintenance to keep its attractive look.

Old leaves need to be trimmed, otherwise, the trunk will be sheathed in dead leaves, that form a brown, shaggy covering, also called a “hula skirt”, that extends nearly to the ground. The trunk is straight, a little swollen at the base, has no crown shaft, topped with a crown of 20-25 large fronds.

Leaves are rich glossy green, palmate, or fan-shaped, about 5ft long and 4ft wide. They have lance-shaped leaflets with elegant drooping tips that provide a very tropical appearance to the landscape. The petioles of mature palms are armed with short, sharp thorns. Be careful when trimming.

​

Flowers/Fruits: In the late spring, the Mexican Fan Palm produces small creamy flowers. Flowers grow in clusters on the branched inflorescence 8-10ft long that extends past the leaves. Flowers are followed by black berry-like drupes, about 1/2 inches in diameter. Fruits are edible, though thin-fleshed. They are sweet and taste like dates and can be dried or made into jelly.

​

Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast. Washingtonia robusta is a fast-growing palm that can get up to 50 – 60 ft tall and 5-10ft wide but usually is not taller than 40ft.

​

Outdoor/Indoor Use: Both.

​

Cold Tolerance: Mexican Fan Palm is cold hardy and can tolerate cold down to 15F but a temperature lower than 23F might damage leaves. It is great for growing in USDA Zones 8b (15 to 20 F) to 11 (above 40 F).

​

Light Req: Full sun to partial shade. The Mexican Fan Palm needs growth best in full sun but will tolerate some shade while young.

​

Water Req: Moderate. It can also tolerate drought but grows much faster when receiving plenty of water. It likes moist well-drained soil.

​

Maintenance: Easy. It doesn’t require much maintenance and can be pruned annually. To prevent nutritional deficiency, apply good quality palm fertilizer that has continuous-release formula twice a year during the growing season.

​

Propagation: Propagated by seeds. Best to sow seeds fresh in the spring. It will take around 4 weeks for germination to occur. Seedlings grow fast having 4 little leaves only after 6 months.

​

​

​

Top 25 Benefits Of The Mexican Fan Palm Tree

The Mexican Fan Palm, or Washingtonia robusta, is not only a visually appealing addition to any landscape, but it also offers a wealth of benefits:

​

1. Drought-tolerant: Thrives in arid conditions.

2. Fast-growing: Can reach mature height quickly.

3. Landscaping appeal: Adds a touch of the tropics to landscapes.

4. Shade provision: Large fronds provide ample shade.

5. Wind resistance: Can withstand strong winds.

6. Cold-hardy: Survives in colder temperatures than most palm trees.

7. Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established.

8. Erosion control: Its root system helps prevent soil erosion.

9. Air purification: Helps filter pollutants from the air.

10. Wildlife habitat: Provides food and shelter for birds and small animals.

11. Edible fruits: Produces small, edible fruits.

12. Fiber source: The tree's fibers can be used for making mats and baskets.

13. Durability: Resistant to pests and diseases.

14. Privacy screen: Makes an excellent natural privacy barrier.

15. Soil improvement: Its leaves, when composted, improve soil quality.

16. Noise reduction: Acts as a natural sound barrier.

17. Carbon sequestration: Absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere.

18. Reduced heat: Can help lower temperatures in urban areas.

19. Ornamental uses: The fronds are used in floral arrangements.

20. Aesthetic value: Enhances the beauty of any landscape.

21. Long lifespan: Can live for many decades.

22. Commercial use: Often used in the palm oil industry.

23. Medicinal use: Some parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine.

24. Year-round interest: Retains its aesthetic appeal throughout the year.

25. Adaptability: Can thrive in a variety of soil types.