California Fan Palm Seeds

California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera) is a bold, iconic desert palm native to California and the American Southwest. It is known for its large fan-shaped fronds, sturdy trunk, and dramatic skirt of old dried leaves that can remain attached for many years, giving mature trees a distinctive “grass hut” appearance.

This impressive palm can reach up to about 50 feet tall in suitable climates and makes a striking landscape specimen for warm, dry, or desert-style gardens. California Fan Palm is considered more cold-hardy than Washingtonia robusta and may tolerate temperatures into the high teens once established, often recovering quickly from cold damage.

• Botanical name: Washingtonia filifera
• Common name: California Fan Palm
• Plant type: Palm tree
• Mature height: Up to about 50 feet
• Notable feature: Large fan leaves and persistent dried leaf skirt
• Cold tolerance: Hardy into the high teens once established
• Best use: Desert gardens, warm-climate landscapes, palm collections, and large containers when young

A classic choice for gardeners who enjoy growing palms from seed, California Fan Palm offers strong architectural form, excellent heat tolerance, and a dramatic tropical-desert look.

Read our Palm Tree Growing Guide