Date Palm
Phoenix dactylifera
- Native to:
- Guam, Gulf States, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Saudi Arabia
ImagePerson
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Arecaceae
- Genus:
- Phoenix
- Species:
- Phoenix dactylifera
- USDA Symbol:
- PHDA4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 2300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- cream, yellow
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
almond moth (Cadra cautella), Brown house moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella), Carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae), Fig moth (Cadra figulilella), Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), stored nut moth (Paralipsa gularis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Can resprout from the apical meristem if crown is not severely damaged. Tolerates low-intensity ground fires typical of oasis environments.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in arid desert conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with bottom heat (75-85°F) and consistent moisture. Fresh seeds germinate more reliably than older dried seeds.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI