Washingtonia robusta

🌿 Botanical Overview

• Scientific Name: Washingtonia robusta
• Common Names: Mexican Fan Palm, Sky Duster
• Family: Arecaceae (Palm family)
• Native Range: Northwestern Mexico (Baja California and Sonora)

🌼 Description

• Size: Tall, slender palm reaching up to 25–30 meters (82–98 ft)
• Leaves: Fan-shaped (palmate), with long, drooping leaf tips and fibrous threads
• Trunk: Smooth and ringed, with a narrow base widening slightly near the crown
• Flowers: Small, creamy-white, in long, dangling inflorescences
• Fruit: Small black drupes; not typically consumed

🌍 Habitat and Growth

• Climate: Thrives in arid and semi-arid tropical to subtropical climates
• Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils
• Light: Full sun is essential
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing
• Hardiness: Drought-tolerant and moderately frost-resistant (to about −8°C or 17°F)