California Fan Palm
Washingtonia filifera
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
Blervis
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Arecaceae
- Genus:
- Washingtonia
- Species:
- Washingtonia filifera
- USDA Symbol:
- WAFI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 1800 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Litoprosopus coachella
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from the trunk after fire damage; dead frond skirts can carry fire but the palm itself survives most fires in its native desert oasis habitat.
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 environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with warm temperatures (85-95°F) and consistent moisture. Fresh seed germinates more readily than older seed.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI