Palms For California

Pronunciation: at-uh-LAY-uh fal-ur-AH-tuh

Common Name: none

Attalea phalerata is a somewhat uncommon Attalea in cultivation outside South America, and very few are growing in California. But so far, it seems, at least as a non-trunking palm, this one is potential landscape palm for many warmer California climates. In the wild this palm has a relatively short trunk (10' or less generally) for an Attalea. No palms in California are anywhere near forming a trunk yet.

Synonym: Scheelea phalerata

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 10-20 feather leaves Height: trunk height 6'-8' estimate; overall height 25' Trunk: single; 12"-14" estimate Crownshaft: none Spread: 15'-18' Leaf Description: pinnate; flat and arching, though sometimes can be plumose; 10'-15' long Petiole/Leaf bases: almost no petiole Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: Fruit: 2" long; ovoid

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 27F Drought Tolerance: unknown Dry Heat Tolerance: unknown Wind Tolerance: moderate Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: filtered to full sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: unknown Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare