A slim, slow fan palm with a shaggy trunk wrapped in brown fiber and a compact crown of round, pleated fronds. It is among the most cold-hardy palms grown anywhere, and in the Phoenix Valley it is best used in shaded, sheltered spots where most palms would struggle.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the tree schedule in our Landscape Care guide. It is not drought tolerant in our climate, and dry heat shows first as brown, crispy leaflet tips. Well-drained soil keeps the roots healthy.
Pruning
Remove dead fronds at the trunk. The leaf stalks can carry fine teeth, so gloves help. The trunk fiber is part of its character and can be left in place.
Heat and sunburn
Low humidity and intense sun brown the frond tips. Morning sun and afternoon shade, or bright filtered shade, keep it looking fresh.
How our designers use it
Shaded courtyards
It suits north- and east-facing courtyards and narrow side yards where a tropical accent is wanted but sun is limited.
Near pools and water features
A compact crown and modest size make it easy to place near water in a protected corner.
Small vertical accents
Its narrow profile adds height to tight spaces without the spread of larger fan palms.
Good to know
Around the pool
Litter is light: an occasional old frond and small blue-black fruit on female plants. The leaf stalks may have fine teeth, so keep it slightly back from walkways.
Placement
In full afternoon sun it browns and struggles. A shaded, wind-sheltered spot is the key to success here.
