A massive feather palm with a thick, straight trunk and a full, rounded crown of deep green fronds. Also called pineapple palm, it creates an instant oasis feel on estates and large lots, where its scale can be appreciated.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the tree schedule in our Landscape Care guide while it establishes. Mature palms do best with deep, infrequent soakings rather than frequent light watering.
Pruning
Remove dead fronds and spent fruit stalks for a tidy crown. Leave green fronds in place. The frond-base spines are long and needle-sharp, so pruning a large palm calls for eye protection, heavy gloves and usually a lift.
Feeding
In alkaline soils, yellowing on the oldest fronds often points to magnesium shortage. A palm fertilizer with magnesium keeps the crown a deep green.
How our designers use it
A grand focal point
One palm can anchor an entry court, motor court or the far end of a pool axis.
Large estates
Its scale works on big Paradise Valley and Scottsdale lots. On a typical residential lot it usually outgrows the space.
Big containers, for a while
Young palms can live in large planters for years as a bold accent before moving into the ground.
Good to know
Size
The crown spreads wide and the trunk can reach 2–3′ across. Give it plenty of room from the house, walls and overhead lines.
Around the pool
Frond-base spines can injure anyone brushing past, and female palms drop orange fruit. We keep it well back from the water, walkways and play areas.
