Washingtonia Filifera

This famous medium to large evergreen palm has a tree-like growth habit, and a sturdy columnar trunk crowned by beautifully shaped, fan-like, waxy gray-green blades, up to 3-6 ft. long (90-180 cm). Erect at first, they spread and arch from stout, spiny petioles, and unlike other palms, the dead leaves fold down against the trunk rather than dropping off. This palm tree is sometimes called " Petticoat Palm" in reference to the shaggy mass of dead leaves hanging against the trunk and forming a dense skirt. In summer, gorgeous, creamy-white, tubular flowers are produced in huge sprays, up to 15 ft. long (5 m), and are later followed by great quantities of black, pea-sized fruits. Easy to grow and exotic-looking, it is quite cold-hardy and can survive short periods at 23ºF (-5ºC). It is the only palm native to the Western United States and the country's largest native palm, and is a palm of great ornamental value and an extraordinary accent plant. The genus honors the first president of the United States.