Windmill palm (Chusan palm) Trachycarpus fortunei
Windmill palm (Chusan palm) (Trachycarpus fortunei) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Arecaceae family, native to Central and southern China, Myanmar and northern India. It grows 6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
Plan Windmill palm (Chusan palm) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Windmill palm (Chusan palm) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Mature height | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central and southern China, Myanmar and northern India |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Windmill palm (Chusan palm) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Palms of this group are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
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 Windmill palm (Chusan palm)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Windmill palm (Chusan palm)
- How far apart should I plant Windmill palm (Chusan palm)?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Windmill palm (Chusan palm) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Windmill palm (Chusan palm) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Windmill palm (Chusan palm)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Windmill palm (Chusan palm) flower?
- From about May for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Windmill palm (Chusan palm) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Palms of this group are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Windmill palm (Chusan palm)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Windmill palm (Chusan palm). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- The hardiest tall palm, wrapped in brown fibre; gives a subtropical look to gardens in Britain, the Alps and Vancouver.
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