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James H. Schutte
Arecaceae
PHOENIX canariensis
Canary Island Date Palm
A large evergreen plant with dark green, arching leaves atop a massive trunk, Canary Island date palm is architecturally stunning. The trunk is decorated with ridges and old frond boots, often making the crownshaft resemble a large pineapple. Its fronds are pinnate (like a feather) and can have a slight blue-green or silvery tinge. Lowest leaflets on the front are stiff, vicious spines. Early summer-occurring flowers are pale yellow and produce semi-dry, yellow-red fruit. It is a native of the Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa.
Canary Island date palm makes a dramatic specimen palm in well-drained sandy loam soils in full to partial sun locations. It is slow growing when young, but once established it hastens its pace. Plants are dioecious--being either male or female, the latter producing the sweet, dry date fruits. Give this palm ample room for growth. The lower portions of the fronds are protected with long ferocious spines. Be aware magnesium deficiency may quickly manifest itself on the lower leaves of this palm, and is especially noticeable on poorer quality construction-fill and sandy soils. It can tolerate airborne salt spray well, but saline soils can be problematic.
12 - 8
8 - 13
H1, H2, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Palm or Cycad
Full Sun, Partial Sun
50'-60' / 15.2m - 18.3m
30'-50' / 9.1m - 15.2m
Early Summer, Summer
Canary Islands
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Drought, Salt
Slow
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Upright/Erect
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Yellow, Ivory
Yellow, Red
Blue Green, Dark Green
Blue Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
Tan, Brown, Sandy Brown
No
Single
Yes
Coarse
Glossy
Platy
Feature Plant, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Street Trees, Tropical
Sometimes
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