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:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- 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
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
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
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm, moist conditions without pretreatment.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)