Filifera Palm Tree

Filifera Palm Trees are the only palm native to the Western United States.

This fan palm's scientific name is Washingtonia filifera. Originating in Southern California and Western Arizona. Nearby to arroyos (intermittent streams), and oases. But in today's world, it's gone beyond that.

We're here to help you go beyond that as well!

History of Washingtonia Filifera:
From Native Roots to Modern Landscapes

Besides Arizona and California, this sturdy palm tree is also native to northeastern Baja California, Mexico.

It's gotten several common names. Most often called the California Fan Palm and the Desert Fan Palm. Named for the dead fronds along the trunk, it's also called the Petticoat Palm.

Its evolution developed the strength to succeed in those hot, dry, desert climates. Now its become favored by residents of states and countries outside its native locations. Like Texas and More Places.

It's living proof of nature’s skillfulness in making adjustments.

Unique Characteristics of Washingtonia Filifera

The Washingtonia filifera palm tree is one of those singled out as a palm away from those growing in the steamy tropics.

Twin filiferas in their skirts in San Luis Obispo California

Identifying the filifera

Besides this palm's perseverance, it has a few Palm Construction points (one literally!) to be aware of.

• The first thing is noticing it's fan-shaped leaves. The pinnate fronds, as wide as 8ft/2.4m. Looking silvery-green, yellow-green or gray-green.
• Adding more frond length, petioles (stems) from trunk to blade (the fan section) span 6ft/1.8m.

Underside View: Induplicate Segments - Upward V-Shaped

• Past maturity, filifera palm tree growth speeds up some. Gaining about 3ft/0.9m yearly.

Getting Taller, Eventually Reaching 60ft/18.3m of Loft

• Past seedling stage, fronds develop prickly teeth at the edges.

Very Pointy - Use Caution!

Its trunk gets to 4ft/1.2m thick & mighty. Usually grayish brown.

What's relatively different about its trunk from most palms, is the covering it keeps. A blanket of packed, old dead fronds. Giving that nickname: Petticoat Palm.

Loving the water access at Santa Rosa in the San Jacinto Mountains.

Looking upward at such a palm, you'd feel the grandeur of it!

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What Else Helps filifera Identification?

Other traits help identify it.

The wide, nearly circular fronds have dips called segments. These openings enter about halfway into the leaf.

Segments into the fronds are noticeable on this younger filifera.

The lengthy Inflorescence Branch arrives in spring to flower. Off-white flowers bring the brown/black fruit. This part of the palm, the infructescence, heavily droops downward.

Flowering Inflorescences Grow Long From Mid-Crown

Comparing the two Washingtonia Species

 The other Washingtonia is W.robusta.

Many wonder the difference between these two. As both are native to similar climates. And they're both fan palms.

But robusta fronds are shorter, making a more compact crown.

What's really different is the trunk:

• The robusta, or Mexican fan palm, is much taller. Think of those lofty Palms of Los Angeles growing sky high!
• Their trunks are much thinner.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Washingtonia filifera

The filifera palm's ideal climate is arid. Mediterranean climates are perfect, too. But it's adaptable to a certain degree. It is found in subtropical, humid regions, like Southern Texas.

The recommended USDA Hardiness Zones are 7-11 for dryer places, and in wetter climes 8-11. If you live where there's mild winters, rarely getting below freezing, your yard might be fully suitable.

In Jardi Botanic, Barcelona Spain's Mediterranean Climate

W. filifera's Cold Resistance

Washingtonia filifera is cold resistant once it's well beyond seedling stage. Some mature filiferas have not been touched by temps as low as 20^oF/-6.7^oC.

Some have even survived with freezing to -11^oF/-23.9^oC. Survived is the key word - as they probably Experienced Cold Damage. And that low temp must've not lasted long.

If that's a possibility for you on occasion, be aware of Frost Protective Measures.

Tips for Cultivating Washingtonia Filifera in Your Garden

Consider Your Own Microclimate Conditions

How Much Sunlight?

Sun is the prime need for a happy filifera palm tree. Remember it's native lands, in sun-drenched deserts. If you like those sunny days, you'll get along fine with W.filifera.

What Watering Schedule Would it Like?

Once it's fully established, Washingtonia filifera palms are quite drought-tolerant. When young though, this palm needs a Regular Watering Plan. In early stages it's developing roots, and perhaps recovering from transplantation. Even though it can get through lengthy droughts, to look healthier don't let it go for weeks on end without water.

Can You Plant it in Anywhere?

Think of the soil it will live in. No, filiferas don't need abundant water. But when your watering schedule says it's time, well-draining soil is most important. Beyond that, they're flexible. Though FYI, ideal soil is calcareous and alkaline.

One easy test is using the opposite, something acidic.

• Place some planting soil into a container.
• Pour in white alcohol vinegar.
• If it foams up, your soil is calcareous.

Relating to that, it's one Palm Tree Species that prefers an alkaline pH, unlike most palms. Who like it slightly acidic.

Yet, if you find your soil isn't calcareous and alkaline, still no worries!

Then There's Pruning - Should I Trim Off Fronds?

• Do you prefer natural looks, as wild filiferas usually have? Keeping dead fronds on board. Meaning less maintenance for you.
• Or does your taste like that well-trimmed look? Pruning off fully dead fronds might improve its appearance. Plus you'll help prevent fire hazards.

The choice, of course, is yours. But if you're Deciding to Trim the Fronds, be sure to only take those fully brown, and dead. Taking any green starves them of some photosynthesis needs.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Washingtonia filifera

We've answered some repeated asks we've seen about Washingtonia filifera palm tree.

Common Challenges and Solutions When Growing Washingtonia filifera

W.filifera doesn't worry much about Palm Problem Interference.

Rarely, a few issues can arise. Let's see what pests, diseases, and other concerns there could be.

Disease Protection for Washingtonia filifera

Fungal Problems

Fungus likes attacking stressed palms. Usually caused from soggy roots or pruning damage pruning.

• Pink Rot (Nalanthamala vermoesenii) attacks mostly in winter.

1. Symptoms are abnormal pinkish coloring.
2. Young palms are most susceptible.

• Tar Spot (Phaeochoropsis neowashingtoniae) assaults fronds. Causing Diamond Scale.

1. Symptoms: black thin diamond-shaped spots. Leaves then yellow, eventually dying.
2. Normally only in arid climates.

• Leaf Wilt by Fusarium proliferatum.

Prevention is the solution. Overwatering Palms is primary, but also good air circulation, and avoiding injury. Fungus can spread. Remove diseased fronds asap.

Insect Attack

Giant palm borer weevils (Dinapate wrightii) are attracted to older, stressed filiferas. Larvae are the problem, tunneling through trunks. Prevention is key. Avoid overwatering and trimming green fronds.

Fun Facts About Washingtonia Filifera
You Probably Didn’t Know

1. The Washingtonia filifera palm meets up with a robusta and they have hybrid babies!
2. Its role in ecosystems is providing habitat and food benefits for birds, mammals, and insects.
3. We know a filifera that experienced both fire & ice! Did It Survive?
4. Along leaf segments hang white, thread-like fibers. That's why it's called Cotton Palm in England.

Noticeable Threads - Like White Cotton Threads

Takeaways for the Washingtonia filifera Palm Tree

The filifera palm tree captivates with its robust size, interesting fibers, and durability.

Are you differentiating it from its Washingtonia cousin, or planning to plant a filifera? I think we'll agree there's something majestic about this sturdy palm.

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