SCIENTIFIC NAME: Brahea armata

COMMON NAME(S): Blue hesper palm
SUB FAMILY: Coryphoideae
TRIBE: Corypheae
ORIGIN: Baja, California
HARDINESS ZONES: 9B-11 (no problem at 18 degrees F), (thought to be hardy to 10 degrees F)
TYPICAL MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 30-40'
GROWTH RATE: Slow
HABIT: Solitary, robust; canopy of 50-60 leaves
SALT TOLERANCE: Moderate
DROUGHT TOLERANCE: High
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Alkaline
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: High
NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS: Low
POPULAR USES: Specimen tree
HUMAN HAZARDS: Spiny
POPULAR OR RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS: None

COMMENTS: Blue hesper palm prospers in southern California, where, despite its slow growth rate, it is prized for its dramatic canopy of ice-blue leaves and long inflorescences. In moist, subtropical and tropical climates such as Florida, the palm grows poorly and is short-lived. Magnificent specimens of blue hesper palm and other Brahea species can be seen at Huntington Botanical Garden in Los Angeles.