European Fan Palm, Chamaerops humilis, Tree Seeds
Fast Growth, Showy Flowers and Fruits, Evergreen, Cold, Heat, Drought, Wind and Urban Tolerant, Container Plant
The European Fan Palm is a small and bushy palm with stiff fan-shaped leaves developing over time a coarse hairy trunk. Growing up to 15 feet in height, this attractive palm develops suckers from the base of the trunk providing very dense foliage down to the soil level. In time the suckers each become individual trunks bearing a crown of fronds and new suckers are constantly developing at the base of the trunk. If preferred, the suckers may be removed to grow it as a small single stem palm, this makes it a very versatile palm as the eventual shape, size and density are very controllable. The triangular, fan shaped leaves grow to about 20 to 24 inches long by 24 inches wide. They are deeply divided into multiple segments that are themselves split at the tip and they are supported on 3 to 4 feet stems. This is an extremely variable plant both in color (the leaves range from blue green to grey green to yellow green) and in shape. Some plants form suckers more freely than others to become very shrubby plants that may reach 15 feet in width. Other individuals can be seen that are almost dwarf, growing just 5 feet tall by 4 feet wide. These days it is popular to remove all but a few of the suckers and to prune the leaves to form a cluster of clear trunked "mini" palms. Small, bright yellow flowers held close to the trunk are hidden behind the leaf stems which are armed with very sharp teeth. The flowers are followed in the fall by fruits which are dark yellow, orange or brown and about half an inch in diameter.
The European Fan Palm is the only palm species native to continental Europe. It is mainly found in southwestern Europe (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Malta) and northwest Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia). It is the northernmost naturally occurring palm in the world. It has become very popular in recent years, mostly due to its cold hardiness. Severe freezes in the mid-eighties decimated many other more tender palm species grown in central and northern Florida. Millions of dollars worth of landscape plants were killed, creating a demand for more cold resistant varieties that could withstand the occasional cold snap. This small fan leafed palm fit the bill. Not only can it resist temperatures down to 10°F but it is fairly fast growing and drought resistant too. Additionally, it can withstand strong winds and salt spray making it an ideal palm for coastal gardens.
The European Fan Palm is as versatile as it is beautiful. With the leaves trimmed up to show off the trunk, it makes a beautiful specimen plant, a delightful natural sculpture to grace your patio or entryway. Un-pruned, it assumes an attractive shrubby form. Use one as a screen or plant several side by side to form a barrier. Planted in groupings, they will accent that hard-to-garden, bare corner of your yard.
The European Fan Palm is excellent in containers and urns and thanks to its drought resistance and durability to heat it can thrive in harsh urban conditions.
The leaves of the European Fan Palm have been used in basket weaving to make mats, carrier baskets, and brooms. The young unopened leaves are treated with sulphur to make them softer and supple and are then used for finer work. The husk, known in southern Spain as "higa", is edible before its full development. The fruits are not edible but have been traditionally used in medicine as an astringent because of their bitterness and high tannin content.
Leaf: Stiff, triangular, fan shaped. Leaf color range from blue green to grey green to yellow green.
Flower: Small, bright yellow flowers held close to the trunk. Dioecious with male and female flowers on separate plants.
Fruit: Flowers are followed in the fall by fruits which are dark yellow, orange or brown and about half an inch in diameter.
Other Names: Mediterranean Dwarf Palm or Dwarf Fan Palm
Zone: 8 to 11 (Can withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees F)
Growth Rate: Fast
Plant Type: Palm
Family: Arecaceae (Palm family)
Native Range: Europe and North Africa
Height: 5 to 15 feet
Spread: 4 to 15 feet
Shape: Grown as small single stem palm or multiple stems.
Bloom Time: April-May
Bloom Color: Yellow
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Fall Color: Evergreen
Drought Tolerance: High, once established.
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low
Site Requirements /Soil Tolerances: Very adaptable to many kinds of well drained soils. Provide adequate moisture for fastest growth. This palm is very drought tolerant once established. It dislikes soggy soils.
Culture: Remove old tired foliage when necessary. Do be careful of the sharp barbs along the leaf stems.
Uses: Specimen, container or above-ground planter, near a deck or patio, foundation, border, screen, mass planting, accent. Suitable for growing indoors.
Sowing Chamaerops humilis Seeds:
For best results, please follow the instructions in the order provided.
Scarify: Soak in water for 24 hours
Stratify: None
Germination: Sow 1” Deep. Keep warm and moist, not wet. At 75-80 degrees F, Expect 1-3 months.
For more information about seed pretreatment and growing trees and shrubs from seed, please download this .pdf:
https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2007/08/fcpg018.pdf
Germination:
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