Phoenix canariensis
canary island palm
Overview
Phoenix canariensis is a large evergreen feather palm with a single stout trunk reaching 40-60 feet (12-18 m) tall, topped by a dense, rounded crown of 50 or more arching fronds. The trunk is thick, up to 3 feet (90 cm) across, and patterned with diamond-shaped scars where old leaf bases have fallen. Each pinnate frond is 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) long, deep green, with hundreds of stiff leaflets; the lowest leaflets are modified into sharp, rigid spines several inches long. The palm is dioecious, with separate male and female plants bearing branched sprays of small creamy-yellow flowers in spring, the females followed by hanging clusters of small orange, date-like fruits. Native to the Canary Islands, it is planted as a specimen and avenue palm in warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates worldwide. It grows slowly, taking many years to form a visible trunk, and is hardy only to about 15-20 F (-9 to -7 C). It is vulnerable to Fusarium wilt and to the South American palm weevil, both of which can kill mature trees.
Native Range
Phoenix canariensis is native to the Canary Islands off northwest Africa, where it grows in valleys and on rocky slopes. It is now planted throughout warm-temperate and Mediterranean regions worldwide.Suggested Uses
Used as a specimen, avenue, and parkland palm in large gardens, streets, and civic plantings in frost-free climates, given wide spacing of 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m). Young plants are grown in large containers and conservatories in cooler regions. Its size suits open landscapes rather than small gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 60'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, with male and female plants carrying large branched sprays of small creamy-yellow flowers among the fronds. Female plants then bear long, hanging clusters of orange, date-like fruits about 0.8 inch (2 cm) long that ripen in autumn. The fruits have thin flesh over a single large seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun in deep, free-draining soil; it tolerates sand, clay, and a range of pH, and copes with coastal salt spray. Young plants need regular water, while established palms tolerate drought, drawing on deep roots. It is hardy only to about 15-20 F (-9 to -7 C), so it is limited to USDA zones 9-11 and warm microclimates. The lowest leaflet spines can cause painful puncture wounds, so the fronds are handled with thick gloves. It is slow-growing and needs ample space for its eventual large crown. Crown rot, Fusarium wilt, and the palm weevil can all prove fatal.Pruning
Only dead, brown fronds are removed, cut close to the trunk, while green fronds are left in place to support the palm. Old fruit stalks can be cut out after the fruit drops. Over-trimming the crown into a narrow tuft weakens the palm.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons