Trachycarpus fortunei - Windmill palm
Family Arecaceae
Description:
Nine species of Trachycarpus are reported from Asia. This Chinese species is a very cold-hardy palm. It holds its dead leaves, somewhat like the Washington palm. Distinguishing features are small teeth on the leaf stalk and dense, brown fibers on the upper trunk. Fibers from the trunk and leaves are used in weaving in China. It is reported that the young flower spikes are eaten and the roots are used medicinally in China.
Location:
See plants near the entrance to the library.
Size:
Medium sized tree to about thirty feet tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun to part shade
Water: moderately drought tolerant, benefits from irrigation during droughts
Soil: adaptable provided the soil is not soggy, no special requirements
This palm is reliably cold hardy in northeast Florida. It grows well in a sunny or partly shaded site in a reasonably well-drained soil.