There are 20 palm species that grow and are maintained by the City of Santa Monica (see Santa Monica GIS Trees Map). They are all well-suited for the Mediterranean coastal climate. Each entry highlights identification cues, local presence, and basic care considerations to guide readers toward the full species profiles.

Species Overview

• Belmore Sentry Palm (Howea belmoreana) — Refined, upright crown with arching fronds; prefers coastal shade pockets and wind protection; steady grower with modest water needs.
• California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera) — Native fan palm with stout trunk; tolerates heat and drought once established; thrives in well-drained sites with full sun.
• Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) — Massive crown and armored trunk; iconic specimen for larger spaces; needs strong sun, periodic feeding, and careful pruning.
• Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis) — Fountain-like drooping leaf tips; handles coastal exposure and partial shade; moderate water and good drainage recommended.
• Cliff Date Palm (Phoenix rupicola) — Graceful, softer-feather leaves; suits courtyards and protected spots; appreciates regular irrigation during dry spells.
• Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) — Distinct “foxtail” leaflets; prefers warm, wind-sheltered microclimates; consistent water and micronutrients improve color.
• Guadalupe Palm (Brahea edulis) — Stout, blue-green fans; slow-growing, drought-tolerant; excellent for sunny, low-water landscapes near the coast.
• Hybrid Fan Palm (Filibusta: W. filifera × W. robusta) — Hybrid vigor with intermediate traits; durable street/yard choice; adaptable in full sun with infrequent deep watering.
• Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) — Elegant indoor/outdoor favorite; tolerates shade and coastal air; best in protected gardens with periodic feeding.
• King Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) — Smooth ringed trunk; fast-growing in mild coastal zones; prefers regular irrigation and rich, draining soils.
• Mexican Blue Palm (Brahea armata) — Striking silvery-blue fans; architectural accent; demands full sun, sharp drainage, and minimal summer water.
• Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta) — Tall, slender skyline palm; very drought-tolerant once established; thrives in sun and coastal conditions.
• Pindo Palm (Butia odorata) — Curving bluish fronds; cold-tolerant and wind-resilient; benefits from full sun and occasional deep watering.
• Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii) — Compact, feathery texture; ideal for courtyards and groups; prefers filtered sun and routine irrigation.
• Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffianus) — Classic feather palm; fast-growing with regular water; protect from persistent sea spray; balanced palm fertilizer helps.
• Royal Palm (Roystonea regia) — Regal, smooth trunk with glossy fronds; thrives in warm pockets; consistent moisture and nutrients improve vigor.
• San José Hesper Palm (Brahea brandegeei) — Slender trunk with dense crown; heat and drought tolerant; excels in full sun with excellent drainage.
• Senegal Date Palm (Phoenix reclinata) — Clumping, multi-stem habit; dramatic screening palm; needs space, sun, and controlled watering to manage suckers.
• True Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) — Edible date species; best in hot, dry suntraps; requires excellent drainage and periodic nutrient support.
• Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) — Cold-hardy, fiber-wrapped trunk; reliable near the coast; prefers deep, infrequent watering and protection from saturated soils.

Honorary Mentions

Additional species and notable specimens to be added here.

• Majesty/Majestic Palm (Ravenea rivularis) — A finicky palm that prefers particular conditions that Santa Monica can provide. It requires a unique fertilizer blend, which doesn’t like to be too wet or too dry. It is native to Madagascar, endangered in the wild, and popularly grown as a houseplant.