Tree of the Week: August 20th, 2024
ArborNote’s Tree of the Week is the California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera). The only palm native to the arid regions of California and Baja California, this resilient palm is a true icon of desert landscapes. It boasts a single, columnar trunk topped with a striking crown of fan-shaped fronds. As the palm grows, older leaves fold down and create a distinctive, layered appearance, adding character to its elegant silhouette. The fronds are green on top and feature a unique waxy gray-green underside. The sweet fruit pulp of the fan palm is edible. The fruit was eaten raw, cooked, or ground into flour for cakes by Native Americans. Versatile and hardy, the California Fan Palm is often used in landscaping and can be seen in gardens, parks, and public spaces throughout the southwestern U.S.
Leave a Reply