Canary Island date palm Phoenix canariensis
Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Arecaceae family, native to Canary Islands. It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -9 °C (16 °F). Space plants about 9 m (30 ft) apart.
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Canary Island date palm at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 9 m (30 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -9 °C (16 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Canary Islands |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Canary Island date palm toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: spines
Fronds carry long sharp spines near the base.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Canary Island date palm
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Canary Island date palm
- How far apart should I plant Canary Island date palm?
- About 9 m (30 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Canary Island date palm need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Canary Island date palm need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Canary Island date palm?
- It tolerates about -9 °C (16 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Canary Island date palm flower?
- From about April for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Canary Island date palm poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Fronds carry long sharp spines near the base.
- What grows well with Canary Island date palm?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Canary Island date palm. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- A massive trunk with a dense rounded crown; red palm weevil has killed many in Mediterranean cities.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Coconut palm Cocos nucifera
- Date palm Phoenix dactylifera
- Açaí palm Euterpe oleracea
- Mexican fan palm Washingtonia robusta
- African oil palm Elaeis guineensis
- Areca palm (golden cane palm) Dypsis lutescens
- Chilean wine palm Jubaea chilensis
- Joey palm Johannesteijsmannia altifrons