SCIENTIFIC NAME: Chamaerops humilis

COMMON NAME(S): European fan palm
SUB FAMILY: Coryphoideae
TRIBE: Corypheae
ORIGIN: Mediterranean region
HARDINESS ZONES: 8-11 (no problem at 18 degrees F), (thought to be hardy to 0 degrees F)
TYPICAL MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 10'
GROWTH RATE: Slow
HABIT: Usually clustering, but solitary forms occur; canopy of 15-30 leaves
SALT TOLERANCE: Moderate (possibly high for natively coastal forms)
DROUGHT TOLERANCE: High (once well established)
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Widely adaptable
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: High; moderate
NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS: Moderate
POPULAR USES: Specimen plant; shrub; container plant
HUMAN HAZARDS: Spiny
POPULAR OR RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS: Many forms occur throughout the range of this species, some of which have been named in the past.

COMMENTS: This hardy fan palm occurs throughout the Mediterranean region, from coastal zones to over 3000' in elevation, and in various types of vegetation. In mountain habitats, it has even been known to receive snow cover. Throughout this broad range, it is typically found on poor, rocky soils, and thus is very adaptable to a wide range of soil types in the landscape as long as they are well-drained. It is highly prized in warm temperate areas where few palms are reliably winter hardy, and a large clump makes a striking specimen plant. The skirt of dead leaves below the crown is usually trimmed off to accent the mat of dark fibers that clothe the trunk for many years. The variation in leaf color and habit is extraordinary. In a nursery row of European fan palms, it is sometimes difficult to find any two that look exactly alike. Its slow rate of growth allows this palm to be grown in a large container for many years. Growth of C. humilis is best in full sun, but it also retains an excellent appearance in light shade.