Canary Island Date Palm

(Phoenix canariensis)

Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis)

Quartl

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Quartl

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Phoenix canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Date Palm, is an evergreen palm tree native to the Canary Islands, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including valleys, ravines, and mountainous areas. It is a symbol of the Canary Islands and is widely cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. This palm typically reaches heights of 10–20 m (33–66 ft) and is notable for its thick, robust trunk and a dense crown of arching, pinnate leaves that can be up to 5–6 m (16–20 ft) long. The trunk is often sculpted in a distinctive diamond pattern from old leaf scars. Canary Island Date Palms bloom with clusters of small, creamy-yellow flowers in the spring and winter, which are followed by orange, edible fruits resembling dates, although they are not as sweet as the true dates from Phoenix dactylifera.

This palm is highly valued for its ornamental features, including its sculptural form and the striking silhouette it casts. It is commonly used in urban landscaping, avenue plantings, and as a focal point in gardens. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it performs best with regular watering and in well-drained soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Canary Island Date Palms are susceptible to pests such as the red palm weevil and palm leaf skeletonizer, and diseases like Fusarium wilt and lethal yellowing. They can also become invasive in suitable climates if not properly managed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 33-66 feet
Width: 20-40 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Valleys, ravines, and mountainous areas within the Canary Islands

Other Names

Common Names: Canary Island Palm, Canary Date Palm, Pineapple Palm, Kanarische Dattelpalme, Palmera Canaria, Dattier Des Canaries, Tamareira-Das-Canárias

Scientific Names: , Phoenix canariensis, Phoenix dactylifera var. jubae, Phoenix cycadifolia, Phoenix jubae, Phoenix macrocarpa, Phoenix canariensis subsp. porphyrococca, Phoenix canariensis var. porphyrococca, Phoenix dactylifera subsp. jubae, Phoenix erecta

GBIF Accepted Name: Phoenix canariensis H.Wildpret