Washingtonia filifera - California Fan Palm

Washingtonia filifera, also known as the Desert Fan Palm or California Fan Palm, is one of the largest and most impressive hardy palms. Similar to Washingtonia robusta with which it readily hybridises, it is primarily distinguished by a stockier trunk and increased hardiness, allowing it to withstand temperatures as low as -12 °C (10.4 °F) in mild climates and well-drained soil. It grows rapidly, forming a sturdy and wide trunk topped with a crown of large, palmate leaves, which are fanned and bordered by whitish filaments. Appreciated for its elegance and undemanding nature, it tolerates sea spray and is also drought-resistant.

Washingtonia filifera (synonym Washingtonia filamentosa) belongs to the Arecaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where it is found growing naturally in arid locations, in moist gorges and canyons where water is available at depth. This palm, which can reach a height of 17 to 18 metres (56 to 59 feet), is supported by a thick, sometimes 1.2-metre (4 foot)-diameter, fissured brown false trunk (stipe). Its foliage, arranged in a terminal crown, will not exceed 4.5 metres (15 feet) in width. The stipe, widened at the base, gives rise at its top to approximately 30 petioles, each measuring 1.75 metres (6 feet) in length, which bear a very large circular, shiny green leaf, 90 cm (35 in) in diameter, with edges divided into 60 narrow segments from which white filaments emerge, which are highly visible on young plants. The 'petticoat' enveloping the top of the trunk, a characteristic of Washingtonias, is formed by withered and trailing petioles that persist on the plant for a long time. The spectacular flowering occurs on plants that are 20 years old. It only occurs outdoors, in summer, in the form of long, arched inflorescences (up to 4 metres (13 feet)) that extend more than a metre (3 feet) beyond the crown. The numerous flowers, ranging in colour from cream to pink, are followed by the formation of countless small round, black and shiny fruits, each containing a smooth and shiny dark brown to black seed. These fresh seeds germinate very easily.

Highly appreciated as a coastal and mild-climate avenue tree, Washingtonia filifera is among the most commonly cultivated ornamental palm species, along with Washingtonia robusta and Phoenix canariensis, in tropical as well as temperate countries. Irreplaceable and prestigious in mild climates, it can also be grown elsewhere in a large container, which can be stored in a cool, bright, and well-ventilated space during winter. Planted near an entrance or on either side of a gate, or used as a standalone by a pool, it will be magnificent. Like Eucalyptus and large mimosa trees, when used in the background of a flower bed, it creates a typical backdrop for gardens with a Mediterranean theme.

Americans used their leaves as culms and consumed the fruits in the form of flour, as they are edible and have excellent nutritional qualities.