Returns to the GardenBed.com Gardening & Plants Homepage
  Gardenbed.com Gardening XML sitemap
Gardenbed web design spacer  
Gardening web design spacer
Species web design spacer
Gardening web design spacer
Gardening web design spacer
Species web design spacer
Plant web design spacer
 

Washingtonia filifera
Desert fan palm
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

 
The Washingtonia filifera plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - S. California, S.W. Arizona, N.W. Mexico. It is a member of the Palmae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Desert fan palm.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Washingtonia filifera
Common Name:  Desert fan palm
Family:  Palmae
Author:  (Lindl.)Wendl.
 
Known Hazards:  None known
 
Mature Height:  12   Mature Width:  12
 
Habitat:  Often forming extensive groves or small isolated clumps in moist alkaline spots in rocky canyons about seeps, springs and streams below 1500 metres[71, 82, 166].



Cultivation Notes:  Requires a sheltered sunny position in a fertile moist but well-drained soil[188, 231]. Tolerates some salt in the soil[200] and maritime exposure in climates that are warmer than Britain[200]. Plants can tolerate extensive droughts so long as their roots have tapped into underground water supplies[231]. Plants can tolerate light frosts and should succeed outdoors in the mildest parts ot Britain[166]. They have been known to tolerate short-lived lows down to about -10°c[231]. This species has an extensive and fleshy but strong root system that can penetrate to a considerable depth in search of water[231]. It generally establishes best when planted out at a young stage. However, older plants are substantially more cold tolerant than juvenile plants[231]. In areas at the limit of their cold tolerance, therefore, it is prudent to grow the plants in containers for some years, giving them winter protection, and only planting them into their permanent positions when sheer size dictates[231]. Palms can also be transplanted even when very large. Although the thick fleshy roots are easily damaged and/or dessicated, new roots are generally freely produced. It is important to stake the plant very firmly to prevent rock, and also to give it plenty of water until re-established - removing many of the leaves can also help[231]. Plants growing in the wild are seen as an indication of underground water[200]. Plants produce a 'skirt' of old dead leaves, this can be a fire hazard and the old leaves are usually removed when being grown in areas liable to forest fires[200]. A fast growing tree, even when young, in its native environment and very tolerant of transplanting despite its deep root system[200].

For further Washingtonia filifera gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

 
Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future

 


Gardenbed web design spacer
GardenBed.com © Copyright 2008 Calvin Wills of Khor Wills & Associates Pty Ltd (ABN: 59 128 091 869).  All Rights Reserved