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California Fan Palm – Santa Monica Palm Guide

California Fan Palm As I stroll through Santa Monica’s streets, the majestic California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera) consistently captivates. Its striking silhouette, with its towering trunk and distinctive, feathery fronds, is a testament to both its resilience and beauty, deeply ingrained in the region’s landscape for centuries. This article delves into the cultivation and history…
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Santa Monica Ruins

While the city has a nice climate and plenty of trees, there are plenty of examples of boom-and-bust cycles. One is Big Jo’s on Broadway. I used to go to Big Jo’s Burgers for lunch when I worked down the street a few times a month. It is one of the best places to get…
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Canary Island Date Palm – Santa Monica Palm Guide

A Majestic Premier to Santa Monica Landscapes Santa Monica’s streetscape is undeniably shaped by its iconic palm trees, among which the Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) stands out. Brought to California in the late 1700s by “Spanish Franciscan and Jesuit missionaries”, this majestic species, with its imposing stature and graceful fronds, thrives in the…
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Queen Palm – Santa Monica Palm Guide

Queen Palm: A Santa Monica Gardener’s Guide The Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffianus), with its elegant, slender trunk and arching fronds, is a popular choice for Santa Monica landscapes. While not native to California, its adaptability to the region’s Mediterranean climate has made it a widely planted ornamental tree. Originating in southeastern South America, it’s naturalized…
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Mexican Fan Palm

Mexican Fan Palm A Santa Monica Icon The majestic Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta) is a quintessential element of the Santa Monica landscape, its towering presence a familiar sight throughout the city. Its ability to thrive in Santa Monica’s unique Mediterranean climate, combined with its adaptability to urban conditions, has cemented its popularity among both…
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Articles
https://www.sfgate.com/la/article/los-angeles-palm-tree-problem-19998210.php
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A Plant Enthusiast’s Journey Through Santa Monica’s Palms
As someone whose roots run deep in the fertile soils of Upstate New York, transitioning to the sun-drenched landscapes of Santa Monica has been nothing short of a horticultural revelation. While I occasionally misspell words, much like I miss the changing seasons back east, my fascination with the verdant diversity of palm trees in this…
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Exploring the Diversity of Palm Trees in Southern California

Welcome, fellow plant enthusiasts! Southern California is famous for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and stunning palm tree varieties. Southern California offers a diverse palm paradise, from towering giants to elegant and exotic specimens. Here, we will take a closer look at some of the most common palm tree varieties you can find in this…
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This History of the Canary Island Date Palms in Santa Monica and LA
Every palm in Santa Monica is either a transplant or the product of a transplant. None are native species. The only native palm tree in the state of California is the California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera), a relic species native to the oases in the Mojave and Colorado deserts. Its cousin, the Mexican Fan Palm…
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Homes North of Montana
One of the nicest, quietest neighborhoods in all of LA county, North of Montana is full of unique houses. Some humble single story homes from the 50s still exist. But most are lavish and large with price tags well above $5 million to start.
