28 Different Types of Palm Trees with Pictures

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Your garden doesn’t have to be purely about flowers or vegetables.

Palm trees are also fantastic.

The reason? They’re among the easiest plants to grow. Alongside succulents, most types of palm trees can withstand drought, don’t require much attention, and thrive for several decades

And what’s more important… THEY CAN BE GORGEOUS!

You’ll hit two birds with one stone with a palm.

Now, how do you know what palm tree to bring when there are thousands out there? (THERE ARE OVER 2,600 species!)

Well, that’s what we’re here for.

28 Types of Palm Trees

Check our list below and find more about the most beautiful and easiest-to-grow palms out there!

#1. Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis)

Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis)

Don’t want to stuff your garden with big palms?

Look no further than the Bottle Palm Tree.

It is a small variety, growing up to 12 feet at its maximum capacity. The exciting part comes from the palm leaves, extending up to 2 feet each to the sides.

The name comes from its fat trunk, resembling a bottle shape due to its swollen bottom.

You don’t need more than warm climates and proper humidity for the palm to thrive.

INTERESTING FACT: It is one of the slowest-growing palms at 12 inches per year. You’ll have to wait at least a decade to enjoy it at its maximum height.

#2. Canary Palm (Phoenix canariensis)

Canary Palm (Phoenix canariensis)

You can find this palm in many places nowadays. However, the name refers to its origin: Canary Islands.

It is no surprise it is one of the largest-growing species, with trunks reaching up to 70 feet in some cases and HUGE leaves that can reach 20 feet easily.

Despite its large size, it grows a surprising 6 inches per year. It may take several decades to reach its full height.

Still, it manages to look beautiful. An explosion-like top makes it so, thanks to the way leaves grow to the sides.

WORTH KNOWING: Unlike other palms, this one produces edible dates (it’s also the natural symbol of the Canary Islands).

Read More:

#3. Cane Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Cane Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Palm trees don’t have to be gigantic. They can also be indoor-friendly, like the Cane Palm.

Reaching no more than 40 feet and often staying between 5 and 15 feet can be grown indoors and outdoors.

The plant is one of the most resistant to drought. And its favorite environment is tropical and warm.
Its fronds grow upwards instead of to the sides or down, making it uniquely attractive.

Apart from that, the thin trunks make it look like sugar cane or bamboo, so it adds up to any garden’s beauty.

PRACTICAL FACTOR: The plant will stay small if you grow it indoors, reaching barely 10 feet after several years.

#4. Caranday Palm (Copernicia alba)

Caranday Palm (Copernicia alba)

The Caranday Palm is one of the few varieties that prefer cool environments.

While it thrives in warm areas, you can make it grow in temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit without problems.

You can see Caranday palms reaching over 40 feet of height, but it’s rare. Most of them stay within 15 and 25 feet.

Its leaves are unique, growing to all sides (upwards, downwards, sideways), producing bunch-like tops.

WHAT TO KNOW: The leaves produce a wax-like substance that the makeup and candle industries use.

#5. Chilean Wine Palm (Jubaea chilensis)

Chilean Wine Palm (Jubaea chilensis)

With its origin in the Andes, the Chilean Wine Palm (also known as Chilean Cocopalm) is one of the thickest.

A typical specimen can have a 5-feet thick trunk. And despite being one of the slowest-growing varieties, it can reach upwards of 100 feet given enough time.

Because it is an Andean palm, it prefers subtropical environments (and can resist frost). But it still thrives in slightly tropical areas with warm climates.

GREAT FACT: At a growth rate of 10 inches per year, the Chilean Wine Palm may take 20 years to reach 10 or 20 feet.

#6. Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis)

Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis)

Some palms have thick trunks; others have thick and waxy leaves. The Chinese Fan palm belongs to the latter

The name comes from the fan-like shape of the leaves. These leaves can reach 5 feet in length, spreading the top up to 12 feet to the sides.

At its maximum height, the palm may get to 50 feet. But it rarely does so.

As its name says, it is native to China (Far East Asia) and enjoys tropical and subtropical environments.

NOT TO DISMISS: The palm may grow at a FAST rate of 12 inches a year. But it MORE COMMONLY grows at about 6 inches yearly.

#7. Christmas Palm (Adonidia merrillii)

Christmas Palm (Adonidia merrillii)

With a thin trunk and bunchy fronds, the palm can reach about 25 feet at its max.

The interesting part comes from the red dates it creates. These grow like tiny coconuts, adding a cute ornamental appearance.

Its leaves tend to arch down and reach between 2 and 4 feet long before they fall.

DON’T IGNORE THIS: While native to Indonesia and the Philippines, you can find Christmas palms almost anywhere in tropical environments.

#8. Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera)

Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera)

It needs no introduction. The Coconut Palm is probably the most popular of all palms, given its tasty fruit seeds and how easy it is to grow.

As you can guess, it is a tall specimen reaching 100 feet high (depending on the subspecies).

The trunk doesn’t generally broaden more than 10 inches in diameter but can grow at different angles.

This one is slightly pickier to grow than other species, as it prefers sandy soils and moist environments to thrive. Some subspecies could thrive in subtropical climates, but most don’t.

And do we need to talk about its coconuts? The tough-conch juicy fruits are unique.

AWESOME FACT: You’ll find more than 80 coconut varieties to go for, some of them growing no longer than 10 feet.

Also Read: How to Grow a Coconut Tree? Complete Guide

#9. Florida Thatch Palm (Thrinax radiata)

Florida Thatch Palm (Thrinax radiata)

Not the largest of palm trees, the Florida Thatch Palm (also called the Jamaican Thatch) is a slow-growing and medium-sized variety.

At its maximum height, the palm grows to about 20 feet. Its fronds look like fans and feature a waxy appearance.

The exciting part is the thin trunk, sometimes as narrow as 10 inches. It will still survive in most tropical environments without problems.

WATCH OUT: It can stay between 6 and 8 feet if you prune it lightly every year (it grows no more than 6 inches yearly).

#10. Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata)

Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata)

Some palms are native to Australia, like the Foxtail.

Its name comes from its undeniable resemblance to a fox’s tail. The lush appearance with slightly brown tones makes it frond-rich species.

These leaves, however, grow sparse. The plant achieves an explosion-like appearance, with spiky leaves growing to the sides.

As an Australian native, it prefers tropical environments, even though it can resist temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

CURIOUS FACT: Most Foxtail palms stay within 35 feet of height.

#11. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)

Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)

Another palm variety that can grow to a medium-sized tree but often stays small is the Kentia.

At its maximum outdoor height, it can reach 40 feet without problems. But most likely will stay at about 12 to 15 feet.

You can keep it even smaller indoors. It can withstand partial shade and inconsistent watering without problems.

The plant stands out for its thin leaves and stems, as well as its soft trunk.

KNOW THIS: Finding a Kentia palm could be difficult. In contrast with other species, these are hard to propagate (thus, they can be expensive).

#12. King Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)

King Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)

Who said palms didn’t have royalty?

King Palm features a classic palm appearance, boasting abundant leaves on top.

ts upper portion tends to be green, while the bottom and midsections tend to be brownish, like most palms.

A typical King’s palm grows to about 40 feet. And it will love tropical environments with temperatures no lower than 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

ALSO IMPORTANT: The palm grows weeping flowers in its mid-section, making it a GORGEOUS addition to any garden.

#13. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

Small palm varieties are sometimes impossible to dislike – the Lady Palm is one of those.

The broad-leafed palm grows to about 13 feet outdoors and may reach less than 8 feet indoors.

It is one of the bushiest varieties, making it an almost perfect addition to indoor ornamentals.

The trunk is thin and grows slowly. And thanks to the dark-green yet waxy leaves, it tends to shine under the sun.

These leaves are among the smallest among palms.

WATCH OUT: In contrast with other palms, this one is moisture-dependent. You need to keep it well-watered (not soggy), so it survives.

#14. MacCarthur Cluster Palm (Ptychosperma macarthuri)

MacCarthur Cluster Palm (Ptychosperma macarthuri)

A bamboo-like palm, the McCarthur Cluster has thin trunks and doesn’t grow too tall.

You can find it at about 15 feet in most cases. If grown indoors, you can keep under 8 feet with no problem.

It is also one of the most drought-tolerant species and loves a tropical environment.

Apart from that, you can grow it in almost any soil. For beginner palm growers, this is an excellent choice.

EVEN BETTER: It has a year-long fruit cycle that produces attractive red dates. These fruits tend to drop down into a weeping appearance, making the plant stand out.

#15. Mediterranean Dwarf Palm (Chamaerops humilis)

Mediterranean Dwarf Palm (Chamaerops humilis)

A bushy palm, growing no longer than 20 feet and typically featuring several trunks at once – the

Mediterranean Dwarf is a unique variety.

The clustered trunks make it look like a shrub, and it tends to grow up to 10 feet.

Like other palms, the leaves grow at the top. But these leaflets aren’t as long or lush, typically reaching a few inches long and looking spiky.

You can find this palm in subtropical environments as well as tropical ones. It is drought-resistant as well.

COOL FACTOR: It is one of the most cold-hardy varieties, withstanding temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

#16. Mexican Palm (Washingtonia robusta)

Mexican Palm (Washingtonia robusta)

With a thick trunk and a bushy top, the Mexican Palm is one of the most popular species.

Also known as the Mexican Washingtonia, it can grow to about 80 feet high and produces the bushiest of tops, making it a sight to behold.

Its delicate leaves are among the most recognizable, given the bushy appearance they develop.

VALUABLE PART: It produces clusters of date fruits from time to time. These dates are actually edible (but not too tasty).

#17. Palmetto Palm (Sabal palmetto)

Palmetto Palm (Sabal palmetto)

There are more than 15 species of Palmetto palms, but most of them grow the same way: spiky leaves with a thick trunk.

A typical Palmetto grows to about 20 or 30 feet, even though the oldest specimens can reach 65 feet in the ideal environment.

To thrive, it needs a tropical climate with sufficient moisture.

CHECK THIS: The plant is often called the Swamp Palmetto, given its love for moist areas close to bogs and rivers.

#18. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Parlor Palm

Prefer small palms? This 9-feet specimen would be perfect for you.

The small plant prefers tropical environments to reach its maximum height. This also means a few thin leaves and sparse foliage.

What sets it apart is the bright green, making it impossible to dismiss either outdoors or indoors.

You won’t need much to keep it growing sustainably, as it is drought-resistant and withstands full-shade environments with no problem.

EVEN THEN: Keep it in warm areas if you want it to thrive. Temperatures colder than 30 degrees Fahrenheit may cause trouble.

#19. Pindo Palm (Butia capitata)

Pindo Palm (Butia capitata)

Some palms are small but can grow really far to the sides, like the Pindo Palm.

Boasting a maximum of 15 feet and growing a trunk of about 6 feet in diameter, it is an interesting sight for sure.

This is even better when the plant blooms, featuring colorful tones from red to yellow and even white.

It is one of the most cold-hardy varieties but also a tiny version. You won’t have any problem growing this variety in temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

FUN FACTOR: Many people call it the Jelly Palm has given orange fruits it produces, the main ingredient of tasty jelly.

#20. Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)

Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)

The name gives you a hint: it is one of the tiniest varieties.

You won’t find Pygmy Date palms growing taller than 10 feet. But it’s still a worthwhile variety, as its trunks tend to grow with a spiky bark, adding up to its beauty.

The leaves are thin and gentle, with a light green typical of most palms. However, it is dense and tends to grow trunk clusters.

NOT TO IGNORE: The plant also produces small, colorful dates from time to time. They aren’t tasty but will give a lovely touch to the plant.

#21. Royal Palm (Roystonea Regia)

Royal Palm (Roystonea Regia)

The name comes from its majestic size and beauty. A Royal Palm reaches over 100 feet in height and features the densest of tops.

Its beauty comes from its white-to-gray trunk, a thick piece that reaches up to 3 feet in diameter.

The best about this species is the ability to grow practically ANYWHERE.

A typical Royal palm grows close to beaches, in mountainous regions, and even in swampy places.
It will need a lot of sun exposure to survive still.

DON’T FORGET THIS: The plant produces small bunches of flowers every year, sporting white-to-yellow clusters that make it surprisingly attractive.

#22. Senegal Date Palm (Phoenix reclinata)

Senegal Date Palm (Phoenix reclinata)

Some palms grow with a single trunk, while others prefer clusters. The Senegal Date palm grows in clumps.

The trunks grow from a central root source, making it a dense variety over time.

These trunks have a unique appearance, as their surface tends to produce hairy fibers.

Also, trunks tend to grow to the sides, sometimes reclining almost like branches.

But it’s still a long variety, growing to about 50 feet at its maximum capacity. Most often, they stay within 25 feet.

It prefers tropical environments over any other.

WORTHWHILE DETAIL: It is one of the fastest-growing varieties, extending a whopping 36-inch per year.

#23. Sonoran Palmetto Palm (Sabal uresana)

Sonoran Palmetto Palm (Sabal uresana)

While the standard Palmetto is medium-sized, the Sonoran Palmetto can grow to over 40 feet (sometimes reaching 60 feet).

The exciting part is the cold-hardy feature. It can grow in altitudes of 3,000 feet, withstanding temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Its trunk tends to be thick at about 3 to 8 feet in diameter. And it tends to boast a porous surface, looking dry from far.

The leaves are spiky and tend to produce dense foliage.

GREAT TO KNOW: Its thick leaves tend to be used for weaving in many parts of South America.

Also Read:

#24. Spindle Palm (Hyophorbe verschaffeltii)

Spindle Palm (Hyophorbe verschaffeltii)

The Spindle Palm has one of the softest trunks out there, as well as one of the most colorful.

This trunk tends to feature a grayish portion at the bottom while slowly turning green in the middle section.

It tends to grow no more than 20 feet, and it typically stays at about 10 feet.

You’ll need a tropical environment to grow it, as it requires a temperature no less than 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Its fronds can reach 10 feet easily, sometimes growing larger than the trunk itself.

BY THE WAY: This is an endangered species in the wild. While found in cities and towns, it is rare to find it in its original habitats.

#25. Sylvester Palm Tree (Phoenix sylvestris)

Sylvester Palm Tree (Phoenix sylvestris)

A palm with dense foliage never feels like a waste of space.

The Sylvester Palm is one of those.

It is a large-sized variety, growing to about 50 feet. But can grow as little as 15 feet in some cases.

Regardless of its size, it stands out for the dense top, with leaves growing towards all sides and directions.

The variety is native to Pakistan, Nepal, and India, but it’s found almost anywhere nowadays (it is easy to grow as long as temperatures stay warm).

ALSO INTERESTING: It produces dates from time to time, giving an even denser and more attractive appearance.

#26. Triangle Palm (Dypsis decaryi)

The name comes from the shape of its leaves, as they achieve a triangle form that’s always cute.

This triangular shape is unique because it extends to the sides. In contrast with others, it only produces leaflets in two directions.

Also, it is not a massive tree-like other palm, but it can grow to about 10 feet in its maximum splendor.

You can still grow it in tropical and subtropical environments with ease, as long as it receives sufficient moisture.

SURPRISING FACT: It is a decently cold-hardy plant, withstanding temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

#27. Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortune)

When it comes to cold-hardy palms, no other species beats the Windmill.

It is not only a tall variety (65 feet), but it’s also one of the most resistant to cold environments.

A typical Windmill palm survives in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is native to Japan and China, in the highest places.

Yet, you can grow it in tropical environments as well, so it’s highly versatile.

WORTH CONSIDERING: The trunk is also super-thick and hairy, making it a fun palm to grow.

#28. Zombie Palm (Zombia antillarum)

Zombie Palm (Zombia antillarum)

Zombies and palms don’t really match… UNLESS IT IS THE Zombia antillarum.

This uniquely attractive palm has a dark secret: people use it for witchery.

Thanks to its spiky leaves, it is a common ingredient for many sorcery practices, including voodoo dolls.

But it’s still a beautiful plant, growing to about 10 feet at its max.

It is a slow-growing variety as well, reaching its maximum height in a decade.

ALSO INTERESTING: The plant grows in clusters of trunks, so you may spot leaves rising on top, in the middle, and bottom of the plant.

You May Also Read: 16 Stunning Balcony Gardening Ideas that Look Great

Bring a Sweety Palm to Your Garden NOW!

The time of palm-free gardens is in the past. It’s now time to beef up yours with a gorgeous palm.

And with so many types of palm trees out there, it should be a piece of cake to choose one.
So, what will you take to your garden? Pick now!

An easy-to-grow yet beautiful palm is waiting for you!

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