Types of palm trees in Arizona are ones that can easily withstand the warm weather and fill your garden with tropical vibes. They are unique in different ways and will look vibrant when placed in any landscape.

11 Types of Palm Trees in Arizona

Although there aren’t a lot of native species in Arizona, continue reading as we have prepared a list of different palm varieties that can easily grow in your outdoor or indoor garden.

List of Arizona Palm Trees To Grow Indoors or Outdoors

1. Date Palm

Issues of Date Palm

Benefits and uses
  • People grow this massive palm tree to provide shade to shade-loving plants and flowers
  • Some homeowners will grow this tree for the fruit
  • The Phoenix roebelenii, or pygmy date palm, is a popular dwarf palm cultivar for indoor planting
Distinguishing characteristics
  • This palm tree has gray-green waxy fronds that can be about 10 feet long.
  • The tree itself is usually between 50 and 80 feet tall
  • Yellow flowers appear in the spring, followed by green fruit that turns brown as they ripen
Specific needs
  • You need to give this tree enough space and pick a location with sharp drainage to keep it healthy
  • It’s tolerant of salt spray and different pH levels and needs more water while producing flowers and fruit
  • This palm loves the sun, but some light shade won’t be an issue
Issues 
  • Black scorch and fruit rot are common fungal diseases
  • The Dubas bug is one of the most dangerous pests that attack this palm

The Phoenix dactylifera takes almost seven years to mature, and healthy trees can produce between 150 and 300 dates per harvest season. Although it can live for over 100 years, its fruit production declines with age. But when it does, it is best to be used as a way to shade a pool area.

Some varieties, like the Deglet Noor, produce fruit with a honey-like flavor, which would benefit you to have a palm that also produces fruit. Along with the acai palm or Euterpe oleracea, this palm produces the most flavorful fruit.

2. California Fan Palm

Utilization of California Fan Palm

Benefits and uses
  • People use the trunks for thatching roofs, and the fibers are used to make woven baskets
  • Homeowners grow this palm as an ornamental plant
Distinguishing characteristics
  • The tree can grow to reach a height of 80 feet, while leaf stalks can be five feet long
  • The fronds are broad and toothed
  • The fan-shaped fronds turn brown and drop each year
Specific needs
  • This tree grows in full sun and well-draining soil
  • Regular spraying will remove dust and insects
  • Pruning keeps the shape in excellent shape
Issues 
  • Diamond scale can affect this tree, turning the leaves yellow or brown
  • Pale and discolored fronds could be a sign of overwatering

The Washingtonia filifera is pretty common in desert landscaping in Arizona. Thanks to the shape of the fronds, it’s also known as the desert fan palm. It’s the only native variety in the region, growing in the Palm Canyon.

This tree is pretty hardy and can withstand arid conditions in addition to frost and snow. However, you should remember to prune it properly so that it will stay vibrant looking and beautiful in the long run. In addition, be sure to prune out the damaged parts too because if it starts to lose their color, this shows that the plant has been overwatered.

3. Queen Palm

Queen Palm Specific needs

Benefits and uses
  • Because it’s a fast-growing tree, most people grow it to line structures and sidewalks
  • The berries or dates represent a food source for humans and animals
Distinguishing characteristics
  • Provides an all-year interest, from the evergreen foliage
  • The creamy white flowers appear in the summer, while the orange berries appear in winter
  • The green arching fronds can be about 15 feet long, and the tree is usually between 50 and 60 feet tall
Specific needs
  • Grow this palm in sandy, acidic soil, as it won’t tolerate alkaline soils
  • A little bit of shade won’t harm this majestic palm, but it prefers full sun
  • It needs more watering when it’s still young
Issues 
  • As the ripe dates fall to the ground, unwanted seedlings can appear on your land and should be removed
  • This palm is considered invasive in some areas
  • The palm leaf skeletonizer usually attacks this tree.

The Syagrus romanzoffiana is also known as the cocos plumosa or jeriva. It has a huge ornamental and commercial value and is pretty easy to care for. The mule palm is a popular hybrid of the queen palms and pindo palms, also known as Butia capitata, wine palms, and jelly palms.

On another note, the fruit of the tree may start to grow different seedlings around the area, and if you want your garden spotless, then you should make sure to remove these seedlings as soon as possible. However, other than that when the plant is growing, it will thrive when located in an area of full sun, and acidic soil.

4. Sago Palm

Sago Palm Tree Characteristics

Benefits and uses
  • Medical studies show that this plant’s leaves contain healthy antioxidants and can help protect from heart disease
  • People grow this plant to create a private area near a pool or to conceal a lounge chair
  • You can grow several individuals along the pathways and walkways in your Arizona garden
Distinguishing characteristics
  • The plant is usually two to three feet tall to reach 10 feet within 50 years
  • It has feather-like foliage that grows in a symmetrical ring
Specific needs
  • Too much sunlight can damage the foliage
  • These plants require high humidity levels, so misting them with water is better
  • Slightly rich acidic to neutral soil will work best for this plant
Issues 
  • Spider mites and scales can attack this plant
  • Root rot is expected if the plant is growing in soggy soil, leading to wilting and leaf drop

Although the Asian Cycas revoluta isn’t a true palm, it gets its name from the arching fronds that characterize this majestic plant. This small tree grows very slowly but will grow faster when planted outdoors. It’s also known as king sago, Japanese sago, and cycad.

This tree is one that will grow in such a beautiful manner and with a tall posture, as it can grow up to 50 feet tall. Although the plant may foresee damages like root rot when it has been watered more than necessary, which will cause it to look weak. As a result, you must water it by misting and this is how it will establish itself, and in this case, the humidity level will rise as well.

5. Windmill Palm

Windmill Palm Tree Uses

Benefits and uses
  • The leaves in thatched roofs are used, and the trunk fibers can be made into ropes, brooms, or mats
  • Some people grow this variety as indoor palm trees
Distinguishing characteristics
  • The tree is usually between 10 and 40 feet tall, depending on where you grow it
  • It has fan-shaped leaves that give it its common name and can be about three feet long
Specific needs
  • This tree tolerates various soil types as long as it’s well-draining
  • In the hot climate of Arizona, this tree will tolerate partial and complete shade, just like the Howea forsteriana or kentia palm
  • New plants need more water but become drought-tolerant once established
Issues 
  • Palm aphids and scales usually attack this tree but are more common in warmer climates
  • Falling fruit can significantly represent a maintenance and cleanup issue for homeowners if you’re growing this tree near a pool or a patio

The Trachycarpus fortunei is one of the hardiest palm trees that can withstand the hot summers of Arizona, as well as snow when grown in the Northern States. This tree can withstand salt spray so that it will be a good choice for a coastal garden, along with the Guadalupe palm or Brahea edulis.

Although it is known as the hemp, Chinese windmill, and Chusan palm. These palms are dioecious, and only female plants will fruit. Just like most varieties, springtime is the best time to plant palm trees in Arizona.

The summer flowers can be cream, yellow, or green, and the female ones are fragrant; later on, they would turn into purple berries, as some people find these berries dropping as a messy situation.

6. Pineapple Palm

Pineapple Palm Tree Benefits

Benefits and uses
  • In its native habitat, the dates are used to make a special date syrup
  • Thanks to its massive fronds, some homeowners will grow it to provide shade
  • You can grow it in a pot as an indoor plant, and this will keep it compact in size
Distinguishing characteristics
  • It grows to be between 40 and 60 feet tall, with blue-green feathery fronds
  • The yellow-orange fruit is edible but not too flavorful
Specific needs
  • You need to grow this palm in well-draining soil, but becomes drought-tolerant once established
  • It thrives with total sun exposure but can also handle shade
  • This palm isn’t self-cleaning, so regular pruning is necessary
Issues 
  • There are thorns on the lower part of the fronds, so wearing protective gloves is necessary while handling this plant
  • Fusarium wilt affects the canopy and makes the leaves fall off

The Phoenix canariensis is known as the Canary Islands date palm and is considered the official symbol of the Canary Islands. It can live up to 100 years and is a popular landscaping plant for the aesthetic appeal it adds to your garden.

This is a great choice if you would like to place it as a focal point around your Arizona garden, it would add such an eccentric style. However, ensure that you would water it when it is still young more than when it matures up because the plant will become more drought tolerant as it grows.

7. Bismarck Palm

Bismarck Palm Detailed Guide

Benefits and uses
  • Most people grow this palm for its giant fronds, thus providing shade or privacy
  • It’s mainly grown as a focal point due to its massive height and big crown
Distinguishing characteristics
  • The tree can reach a maximum height of 70 feet with a trunk that measures two feet in diameter
  • It has long blue-green fronds, and each can be a foot long
Specific needs
  • Although this palm is shade-tolerant, it grows best in full sun
  • It thrives in well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, but it can handle some drought
Issues 
  • This palm is quite sensitive to soil deficiencies, so amending the soil might be necessary
  • It’s not susceptible to several pests or diseases, but butt rot can be an issue

If you’re considering the Bismarckia nobilis for your garden, you can pick between male and female trees, as the female ones are the only ones that produce fruit. This is one of the hardiest palms and can survive in various weather conditions.

It’s specifically popular in Arizona as it tolerates the dry, hot weather well. On the other hand, when it comes to the soil, the tree needs to be placed in a well-draining one, where water will not stay in a prolonged manner, but at the same time, you should water it regularly.

8. Mexican Fan Palm

Mexican Fan Palm Description

Benefits and uses
  • The leaves of this palm are used to make baskets and roofs, while the fibers on the trunk are used to make ropes and cords
  • Homeowners use this tall tree to add vertical interest in large gardens
  • This palm tree is tolerant of salt spray, making it an excellent choice for beachside planting
Distinguishing characteristics
  • These tall palm trees grow to a height of 100 feet in optimal conditions
  • It has bright green fronds and produces edible blue-black fruit
Specific needs
  • This low-maintenance tree prefers loamy, sandy soil but is tolerant of other types, including salty soil
  • Allowing the soil to dry out works best. Total sun exposure is needed
Issues 
  • This tree is considered invasive in several states, so you might need to contact the local authorities before growing it on your land
  • Ganoderma butt rot can be lethal when it attacks mature trees
  • Fungal infections that affect the center of the trunk and spread upward

The Washingtonia robusta or skyduster is a popular variety of fan palms. It’s not that common in urban landscapes due to its towering height and massive fronds, but if you need a low-maintenance, fast-growing, attractive palm for a large piece of land, this will be the one for you. Some trees can live up to 500 years.

However, you should also be careful of fungal infections that may harm the tree, as they would develop after the tree has matured. In such cases, you should make sure to take different precautions.

9. European Fan Palm

Difficulties of European Fan Palm

Benefits and uses
  • People grow this remarkable shrub as an indoor plant
  • It’s a good choice for a raised planter or container garden
Distinguishing characteristics
  • Despite the rather-compact size of the tree, it has large silver-green or blue-green fronds
  • They’re about 20 feet long, each carrying 10 to 20 leaflets
Specific needs
  • Since this tree can become wide, the tree care guide states that you should plant trees at least four feet apart to give them enough room
  • It tolerates different soil types and pH levels but should be watered regularly until the roots establish.
  • In the hot weather of Arizona, you should water it at least once per week
Issues 
  • The spines on the trunk cause pain when touched, so you must plant it away from high-traffic areas, especially if you have kids or pets
  • Mealybugs and spider mites attack this palm tree

The Chamaerops humilis, also known as Mediterranean dwarf fan palms or Mediterranean fan palms, are probably the most cold-hardy of all true palms. It’s a popular choice for Mediterranean-style gardens and other plants like lavender, mint, rosemary, and lantana. Yellow flowers appear in the spring, but they’re usually hidden behind the leaves. They’re followed by small inedible yellow fruit.

This variety is popular for urban landscapes and indoor planting, as it adds a Mediterranean vibe wherever the plants grow. If you want a shorter palm tree, this tree can be an excellent alternative to the areca palm or Dypsis lutescens. It grows to a height between six and 15 feet, as it also spreads wide, sometimes reaching a width of 20 feet, some trees have a single trunk, while others have multiple ones.

10. Mexican Blue Palm

Application of Mexican Blue Palm

Benefits and uses
  • Most people grow this tree as an ornamental palm, thanks to its unique foliage, along with other strikingly shaped palms like the Dypsis decaryi or triangle palm
  • The fan-shaped fronds and round canopy make it an excellent focal point in a round garden bed
Distinguishing characteristics
  • This tree has striking blue-green foliage that gets slightly less attractive as the tree ages
  • It’s a slow grower, and starts blooming around the age of 20, growing white, slightly fragrant flowers
  • The yellow fruit appears following the flowers and then turn black
Specific needs
  • It’s one of the most drought-tolerant palms but will be healthier with regular watering
  • You can grow it in any type of well-draining soil with total sun exposure
Issues 
  • Inferior soil will affect the growth of this tree, so you might need to amend it first
  • Although it’s resistant to most pests, glasshouse red spider mites can be a problem

If you’re looking for an outstanding, eye-catching palm, you must consider the Brahea armata. Although it’s cold hardy, it thrives in Arizona’s dry, hot weather, adding a tropical touch to your garden. It’s also known as the gray goddess, blue hesper, and short blue hesper palm at times.

When growing the plant, you should ensure that you would water it regularly, ensure that the soil is well draining type. In addition to this, you must locate it in a place where it will receive full sunlight throughout the day.

11. Royal Palm

Royal Palm Tree Features

Benefits and uses
  • This palm is used for thatching and construction
  • Homeowners usually grow it as an ornamental tree, while seed and fruit can be used as livestock feed
  • Native birds feed on the red and black berries produced by this tree
Distinguishing characteristics
  • This fast-growing palm is characterized by its smooth silver-gray trunk and enormous dark green fronds
  • It produces showy white flowers that release large amounts of pollen.
Specific needs
  • It thrives in moist, fertile soil and will survive in wet soil, although it becomes drought tolerant once established.
  • This palm thrives in full sun, but partial shade is tolerated.
Issues 
  • People with allergies can struggle when this palm releases its pollen.
  • The falling fronds are too heavy and can damage structures and hurt people when they fall off the tree.
  • The royal palm bug usually infects this tree, attacking the young leaves.

The Roystonea regia, also called Palma real in Cuba and vakka in India, is native to Central America but grows in several tropical and subtropical regions, where it’s usually for street, park, and large gardens landscaping.

It’s self-cleaning, so dying fronds will fall off the tree. Each one can weigh up to 50 pounds. It attracts birds and bats, which spread the pollen and is considered the national tree of Cuba. It looks close to the Archontophoenix alexandrae or king palm.

Conclusion

What palm trees are native to Arizona?” “Which palm trees can thrive in my Arizona garden?” We presented this list of palm tree species to help you answer these questions:

  • The California fan palm is a native palm tree and is pretty standard urban landscaping in Arizona.
  • Date and pineapple palms belong to the family of Phoenix Arizona palm trees.
  • Sago palms are among Arizona’s most popular types of small palm trees.
  • Palms like the royal variety should be planted away from driveways and walkways because the large fronds fall off and cause substantial damage.

With this guide, your choice will be easier if you’re looking for Arizona palm trees for sale. The cost of palm trees in Arizona depends on the palm’s type, age, and size, so you have plenty of amazing choices to consider.

5/5 - (19 votes)
Evergreen Seeds