Plants of the UNF Campus
Washingtonia robusta - Washingtonia
Family Arecaceae
Description:
Two species of Washingtonia
are native to the southwestern U.S.
and Mexico.
The other species, Washingtonia filifera
grows poorly in Florida
but thrives with southern California’s
dry climate. This species is from Mexico. It is fast-growing compared
to most palms. The old leaves hang on the palm for many years, a condition
termed marcesence. Scientists have speculated that palms with marcesent leaves
provide a hiding place for nocturnal animals and benefit from the droppings of
those animals. In the wild, the small, black fruits of this plant are an important
wildlife food.
Location:
See plants at parking lot 2 near the library and above the fountain at building 1.
Size:
Large tree capable of reaching seventy-five feet or more in height.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun
Water: very drought tolerant when established
Soil: well-drained, very adaptable, no other special requirements
This is an attractive, cold hardy palm for north Florida gardens where space permits. It thrives in a sunny, dry site. In Florida, it is suseptible to fatal fungal diseases in especially rainy years. The skirt of dead leaves that are retained is natural. Some people consider it unattractive and it may be trimmed.
Washingtonia robusta
Washingtonia
Arecaceae
Two species of Washingtonia
are native to the southwestern U.S.
and Mexico.
The other species, Washingtonia filifera
grows poorly in Florida
but thrives with southern California’s
dry climate. This species is from Mexico. It is fast-growing compared
to most palms. The old leaves hang on the palm for many years, a condition
termed marcesence. Scientists have speculated that palms with marcesent leaves
provide a hiding place for nocturnal animals and benefit from the droppings of
those animals. In the wild, the small, black fruits of this plant are an important
wildlife food.
Washingtonia_robusta.jpg
See plants at parking lot 2 near the library and above the fountain at building 1.
Large tree capable of reaching seventy-five feet or more in height.
full sun
very drought tolerant when established
well-drained, very adaptable, no other special requirements
This is an attractive, cold hardy palm for north Florida gardens where space permits. It thrives in a sunny, dry site. In Florida, it is suseptible to fatal fungal diseases in especially rainy years. The skirt of dead leaves that are retained is natural. Some people consider it unattractive and it may be trimmed.
