What Kind of Palm Trees Grow in Northern California? – Evergreen Tree Service

Palm trees are what come to mind when you mention California to most people. Palm trees have become an iconic symbol of the state’s vast desert landscape, which makes it the quintessential paradise for a lot of people.

While you can still find palm trees in Texas and Florida, California is regarded as their tropical oasis and is actually home to several types of palms in spite of the fact that native palm trees are rather rare in the state. Dozens of palm species can be spotted around here, but just one is native to the state.

Worldwide, there are 2,500 palm species, with 11 being native to North America. The California fan palm is the largest of these and the only one that’s native to North America. It is also referred to as the desert palm and the California Washingtonia.

The rest of the palms in California are imported from other countries, which include the classical king palm, beach palm, pindo palm, miniature blushing palm, Mediterranean fan palm, Washington fan palm, true date palm, dwarf sugar palm, and queen palm.

What Kind of Palm Trees Grow in Northern California?

The California fan palm is the only palm that’s indigenous to the state and is currently grown throughout subtropical climates in the world. It reaches a height of 60 feet and has a crown that spreads up to 15 feet. It has a large, gray, barrel-shaped trunk that sometimes reaches over 3 feet in diameter at the widest point.

Palms have turned out to be very practical street trees in Los Angeles as well as the Bay Area over the last century. Coconut palms are just one of the numerous palm species. California has virtually no coconuts because of the lack of water and presence of humidity along with temperatures that are below 60°F.

The 9 types of palm trees grown in California are:

– Washington Fan Palm

– True Date Palm

– Queen Palm

– Pindo Palm

– Miniature Blushing Palm

– Mediterranean Fan Palms

– Dwarf Sugar Palm

– Classical King Palm

– Beach Palm

How Did Palm Trees Come to California?

Palm trees have become a symbol of Northern California. They can be found lining the beaches, swaying in the wind on city streets, and even in shopping mall planters. The image of a palm tree is intended to conjure up feelings of relaxation, leisure, and living the good life.

However, were you aware of the fact that most palm trees are not actually native to California? Just one species is native to the state. Most hail from Mexico and as far away as the Canary Islands. Palms have adapted adequately to the growing conditions in the state and thrive in homes as beautiful ornamental trees.

Which Palm is Popular for Gardens in California?

The fact that all palms are incredibly beautiful is hardly in doubt, but there are just a handful that are suitable for residential ornamental planting because height is a deciding factor. For example, the Mexican fan palm and the California fan palm are not the best options for home gardens since they grow incredibly tall.

That’s why the most popular palm for home gardening is usually the short palms like the pygmy date palm and the true date palm. Favorite palm species for many California property owners are:

– Guadalupe Palm (Brahea edulis)

– King Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)

– Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)

– Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

– Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)

– Mediterranean Palm (Chamaerops humilis)

– Baby Queen Palm (Chamaedorea plumosa)

Why Are Palm Trees So Tall in California?

Palms grow quickly and tall since they are competing for light. This allows them to overreach the regular deciduous trees since they grow straight up and break through the canopy to reach the sunlight.

How Quickly Do Palm Trees Grow in California?

California fan palms have a moderate to fast growth rate. In warm climates, they can reach a height of up to 100 feet at maturity. They are hardy in U.S.D.A. zones 8 to 11. The leaves are fanned and can grow as long as 7 feet.

How Far North Do Palm Trees Grow and Survive in California?

In North America, mature specimens have been found as far north as Gold Beach, Oregon (42.5 degrees North) on the West Coast, and Wilmington, North Carolina (32.5 degrees North) on the East Coast.

Newport Beach, California, which is 33.37 degrees North (nearly 8 degrees fully North from the beginning of the Florida Keys) is apparently home to the northernmost cultivated coconut palm. It was planted back in 1984.

Palm Trees Grow at What Latitude?

Palms are can be found in abundance between latitudes 30° N and 30° S and thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. The hardier varieties of palms push the limits of both hotter and cooler climates by extending as far as between latitudes 44° N and 44° S..

How Do You Take Care of a Palm Tree in California?

Southern California averages anywhere from 30 to 44 inches of water each year. Palm roots require a lot of oxygen, so properly drained soil is important. Poor drainage and/or too much water tends to keep the soil constantly wet, which isn’t good for palms, particularly those that have been planted recently and are in the establishment phase.

Tips and Tricks for Growing Palms

– Proper drainage and consistent water: few palms tolerate cold, wet roots, and few tolerate drying out.

– Fertilizer: Apply NPK 3-1-3+1 in March, June, and September.

– Palms are slow to adapt to increased levels of light.

– You should ideally plant the large, slow-growing species

– The growth of palms is slow at first and then accelerates.

Planting and Transplanting

– The ideal season for planting is spring-summer

– Root balls should never be manipulated

– A tight fit with foundations and walls works great

– Original root ball should be kept moist and surrounding soil irrigated to encourage establishment.

Why Does the Bay Area Have So Many Palm Trees?

You can literally spot dozens of species of palms in the Bay Area, but just one species is actually native. California palm or desert fan palm, thrives in the arid region hundreds of miles further to the south, closer to Palm Springs, over the mist of the Bay Area.

Which City Has the Most Palm Trees?

When it comes to an exact canopy count, it is very difficult to get an accurate number of palm trees for each city. Still, there are several cities in the United States that top the list as having the most palm trees:

– Miami: Any boardwalk, city street, or metropolitan yard in Florida is surrounded by palms in the landscaping. Miami doesn’t stand in isolation, however, as one of the most iconic palm tree cities in Florida. Jacksonville and Orlando too have plenty of palms.

– McAllen Texas: The cactus isn’t the only plant species that thrives throughout the landscape in southern Texas. The city of McAllen is considered the “City of Palms” for naturally-occurring palm species.

– Los Angeles, California: If you think about cities with palm trees, the city of Los Angeles in California probably comes to mind. The city’s iconic Palms can be found lining the boulevards. Still, San Diego comes in a close second when it comes to palm-lined streets. You will commonly spot Queen Palms, which aren’t a native species.

– Honolulu: Just about every breathtaking view in Hawaii has a palm tree, and the variety of palm species found in Honolulu isn’t an exception. You will find the beautiful Bottle Palms as well as the Traveler’s Palm adorning landscapes throughout the capital city.

Are California Palm Trees Different from Florida Palm Trees?​

Yes. The California palm trees are a lot taller. Florida, on the other hand, has more variety. California palms are much taller and this is perhaps why they seem more impressive than those of Florida. California has just one kind of native palm tree, the California fan palm that grows in the U.S.D.A. plant hardiness zones 9 through ll. Florida, however, boasts 11 native palms.

It may be difficult for you to provide trees with extra care and maintenance in your busy schedule. That is where you should consider hiring expert tree care professionals to treat your trees while you are busy with your routine. Call Evergreen Tree trimming Service, Pleasanton, CA. The Pros from Evergreen Tree Care Service will offer service for all kinds of tree problems. Call right now to Know more!

We proudly serve the tri-valley area (Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, and San Ramon). Call at (925) 905-8563.

(925) 905-8563