Desert Fan Palm, California fan palm, California Washingtonia Palm, Petticoat Palm, Desert Fan Pal

Washingtonia filifera

Physical Characteristics

Washingtonia filifera is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from November to January. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America - S. California, S.W. Arizona, N.W. Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked or dried for later use[2, 46, 161, 177, 257]. It can be made into jellies and drinks or dried and ground into a meal[46, 183]. The seed can be ground up with the dried fruit and then both are eaten as a porridge[246]. The fruit is small and hard[213], but has a thin sweet pulp that tastes somewhat like dates[183, 213]. The ovoid fruit is about 6mm long and 4mm wide[200]. Young central bud - roasted[46, 177, 183]. Harvesting this central bud will kill the tree since it is unable to make side branches[K]. Young leaf bases - raw or cooked[161, 177]. Seed - cooked. It can be ground into a powder and used for making bread or porridge[161, 183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known