The Hollywood Fan Palm, also known as “Washingtonia robusta”, is a popular species in landscaping due to its dramatic height and classic fan-shaped leaves, lending a tropical aesthetic. Originally native to northwest Mexico (particularly Baja California and Sonora), it’s widely cultivated across warm, arid, and subtropical regions, especially in California and other areas of the southwestern United States.

Key Features

1. Height: Hollywood Fan Palms are quite tall and can reach up to 80-100 feet (24-30 meters) in height, with the trunk typically remaining slender, around 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in diameter.

2. Trunk: The trunk is columnar and usually has a smooth, grayish-brown surface. Often, older palms retain a "skirt" of dead fronds, which hang downward along the trunk unless trimmed, adding to the rustic, layered look.

3. Leaves: Its leaves are palmate (fan-shaped), green, and grow to about 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) in length. The leaf stalks have sharp spines, which can be a hazard when pruning. The canopy creates a large, spherical, and graceful appearance.

4. Flowers and Fruits: It produces small, white to pale yellow flowers on long inflorescences that dangle down from the crown, blooming primarily in spring. The flowers give way to small black fruits that are edible but generally considered unremarkable in taste.

5. Growth Rate: Known for its fast growth rate, the Hollywood Fan Palm can grow up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) annually under optimal conditions, making it a favorite for creating immediate visual impact.

6. Hardiness: “Washingtonia robusta” is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, tolerating mild frost but thriving in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but grows faster with regular watering.

7. Maintenance: Though generally low-maintenance, Hollywood Fan Palms may require occasional pruning to remove dead fronds or to maintain a cleaner trunk appearance. However, leaving the dead fronds (the "skirt") can provide habitat for wildlife.

Landscape Use

The Hollywood Fan Palm is widely recognized in urban landscapes, particularly in Southern California, where it has become an iconic part of the skyline. Its towering form and tropical look make it ideal for creating a dramatic focal point in public parks, streetscapes, and residential gardens.