In a landscape with sporadic freezing temperatures and snowfall, cold-hardy palm trees are suited for planting. Your garden landscape can be enhanced with the addition of cold-hardy palm trees from the tropics. Moreover, beautiful trees are frequently simple to grow since their graceful leafy fronds are so easy to care for. They may help your yard look nicer. As a result, growing magnificent palm trees in your yard does not depend on living in a tropical or subtropical environment.
Individual species of hardy palm trees have varying degrees of cold tolerance. USDA zone 7 and sheltered zones of zone 6 are ideal for some of the hardiest palm trees. Temperatures between 32.4°F and 41°F (0.2°C and 5°C) are therefore suitable for many cold-hardy palms to survive. Temperatures as low as 5°F to 0°F (-18°C to -15°C) preserve several of the cold-hardiest palms. Cold-hardy palm trees, on the other hand, only endure short bursts of cold temperatures. It’s crucial to remember this.
For temperate and subtropical climates, this article provides a guide to the coldest palm trees. Descriptions and images of the lovely palm trees may be found in the cold-hardy palm tree list. Tips on where to grow cold hardy palms will also be included. You’ll also learn about the lowest temperatures that may be tolerated without causing severe harm.
What Are Cold Hardy Palm Trees
Cold-hardy palms belong to the Arecaceae family of plants and can withstand brief bouts of sub-zero temperatures. The Washingtonia, Trachycarpae, and Rhapis tribes of palm trees are the ones that can survive the coldest temperatures. Fan palms and pinnate-leaved palm trees are also examples of cold-hardy palms.
The windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), European palm (Chamaerops humilis), Pindo palm (Butia capitata), and stunning Bismarck palm (Bismarckia nobilis) are the best examples of cold-hardy palms that tolerate cold temperatures. Some elements that influence palm tree cold hardiness include the tree’s age and size, how long the cold lasts, and relative humidity. In drier conditions, palms, especially cold-hardy varieties, fare better. Older palm trees, on the other hand, are better insulated against the cold.
Can Palm Trees Survive Freezing Weather?
Cold-hardy palms may survive freezing temperatures in a variety of species. Hard freezes can kill a few temperate-climate palms, but they only survive for a short time. Fronds, on the other hand, may be killed by freezing weather, resulting in brownness and decay.
The palm tree will perish if the center of its trunk freezes. The quantity of brown plant substance on a palm tree indicates the degree of frost damage following a freeze. Palm fronds may turn brown after a freeze. However, they are usually normal.
To enhance the palm’s aesthetic appeal, you may remove some of these. The palm has suffered irreversible frost damage if all of the palm tree’s foliage is completely brown. Fluid leaking from the main trunk is another sign of damage to a palm tree after a freeze. To avoid damage when the tall palm tree falls, it must be removed in this instance.
Types of Cold Hardy Palm Trees (With Pictures) – Identification Guide
Your property might be transformed into a tropical paradise by using cold-hardy palm trees. Even in climates that experience frost and snow in the winter, some hardy palms will thrive. The bad news is that the cold-hardiest palm trees need very little care to withstand a brief spell of snowfall or a mild frost.
Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)
One of the coldest palm trees is the windmill palm tree, which grows slowly and hard. Fan-shaped leaves emerge at the extremities of straight stems to distinguish the hardy palm. The little evergreen shrub is suited for small gardens in USDA zones 7 to 11 as an easy-to-grow cold-hardy palm tree.
Short cold snaps as low as 5°F (-15°C) are tolerated by the windmill palm. The drought-tolerant Chinese windmill palm thrives on fertile, well-drained soils, growing in full sun to part shade. It performs best, however, when kept out of the cold and harsh winters.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
Fan-shaped green leaves that are 3 feet (1 meter) broad, dark blue palm tree fruits, and shaggy bark covered in black fibers are all identifying characteristics of the windmill palm tree.
Cabbage Palm Tree (Sabal palmetto)
One of the coldest hardiest palm trees is the towering cabbage palm tree, which can endure temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The cabbage palm has a smooth gray base and shaggy brown middle to crown, with a large, upright, erect trunk. This palm may grow to be 40–50 feet (12–15 meters) tall. The cabbage palm tree, which is one of the hardiest palms, can survive temperatures down to 15°F (-9°C).
This palm is extensively cultivated and is the official state tree of Florida. Along streets, in coastal dunes, in forests, or as a specimen plant, the salt and drought-tolerant palm tree thrives. The cabbage palm thrives in USDA zones 8 through 11, thanks to its rapid development of 12 inches (30 cm) per year.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
The huge, fan-shaped grayish-green leaves, dark brown trunk, and creamy-white fragrant blooms help to identify the cabbage palm tree.
European Fan Palm Tree (Chamaerops humilis)
The multi-stemmed European fan palm is among the most hardy palm trees available; it has few trunks and is small enough to fit into most yards. Bushy leaves with sharp, blue-green fan-shaped blades, rough brown trunks, and brown fruits characterize the European fan palm tree. The little palm tree, which can be either a tiny tree or a rounded shrub, makes it an adaptable landscaping pine.
This slow-growing palm can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall and broad. The European palm is cold hardy to 10°F (-12°C) and thrives in USDA zones 9 to 11. This palm is a useful front of house, specimen tree, and container palm tree in coastal environments.
Pinnate fronds are found on 4 ft. (1.2 m) stems and consist of 10 to 20 stiff leaves, each 24 inches (60 cm) long, growing in a semi-circle pattern at the end. In the spring, bright yellow palm blossoms appear, followed in the autumn by brown dates.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
The multiple stems, rounded habit, and colossal palm fronds distinguish the European palm as a suckering palm tree. A fan-leaved, yellow-flowered palm with orange or brown palm fruits, the rounded shrub-like palm is a fan-leaved plant.
Saw Palmetto Palm Tree (Serenoa repens)
Because it tolerates temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C), the little saw palmetto palm tree is ideal for tight spaces. The fan-shaped fronds of this slow-growing, clumping palm grow to be 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) tall and broad. Plume-like branched stalks, white flowers, and yellow-orange berries are all identifying characteristics of the cold-hardy palm.
The versatile palm tree has valuable ornamental characteristics and can tolerate climates in USDA zones 7 through 11. The palm may be grown as a ground cover, foundation planting, texture accent, or erosion control plant in full sun to full shade.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
Waxy, fan-shaped evergreen fronds 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter, up to 30 segments per leaf, and fragrant white blooms are some of the identifying characteristics of the saw palmetto.
Mazari Palm Tree (Nannorrhops ritchiana)
The Mazari palm is a clustering palm tree with silvery-blue fan-shaped fronds that can handle both cold and hot climates. The enormous stiff, palmate leaves grow 4 feet (1.2 meters) broad and bear 20 to 30 leaflets each. With a spreading crown, the Mazari palm grows to be 10–20 feet (3–6 meters) tall.
One of the coldest hardiest palms is the Mazari palm, which thrives in full sun and heat. Mazari palms may tolerate temperatures of 5°F (-15°C) and are hardy to USDA zone 7. Furthermore, this temperate palm may grow in heat, humid environments or frigid, dry climates.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
Extreme heat or cold do not harm the Mazari palm. Its stiff, glaucous-green fan leaves, clusters of white flowers, and brown or orange edible palm fruits identify it as a Glaucose Palm.
Pindo Palm Tree (Butia capitata)
With arching fronds, fragrant creamy-yellow flowers, and yellowish-orange edible fruits, the pindo palm is a slow growing, cold-hardy small palm tree. With slender pinnately-compound leaves growing on curving stems, this lovely palm is also known as the jelly palm. Pindo palm trees reach a height of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters). One of the easiest palm species to establish is the pindo palm.
The USDA zones 8 through 11 palm thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil, thriving in the coldest weather. This drought-tolerant, salt-, heat-, and cold-tolerant landscaping palm tree can withstand temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The palm is best utilized as a specimen plant because to its appealing form, curving petioles, and blue-green or grayish-green leaves.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
The pindo palm has arching palm leaves that grow 3 to 6 feet (1.8 to 2 m) long, fragrant white blooms on swaying spikes, and delicious, large dates with a pineapple flavor.
Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor)
This dwarf palm is a low-growing palm plant that is hardy to 10°F (-12°C), and it may be found in a variety of environments. This landscaping palm has blue-green, fan-shaped leaves that grow to be 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter and grows only to be 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.
Exceptionally fragrant clusters of white flowers, small brown to black palm fruits, and an appealing appearance are among the other features of the ornamental dwarf palmetto palm. The coastal environment and drought are also compatible with dwarf palmetto. As a groundcover or front-of-house foundation plant, plant it in full sun or partial shade.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
Sabal evergreen palms have a small or non-existent trunk. The fan-shaped, glossy dark-green leaves, white flowers, and tiny black fruits are all characteristics of this palm.
Chinese Fan Palm Tree (Livistona chinensis)
The Chinese fan palm tree is a medium-sized evergreen palm with a spacious, big canopy of drooping emerald-green leaves that looks stunning in any landscape design. Up to 50 long, slender 3 to 6 foot (1.8 m) long leaves grow on each palm leaf. The stems have a sharp, jagged appearance and are covered in stiff spine. The cold-hardy Chinese fan palm tree is one of the toughest palms you can cultivate, withstanding temperatures as low as 15°F (-12°C).
USDA zones 9 to 11 are ideal for the upright palm, which boasts slender trunks and weeping emerald-green leaves. The graceful palm is a superb specimen tree that grows 10 to 30 feet (3 to 9 meters) tall. Most landscapes are suitable for growing the exotic-looking, drought- and salt-tolerant palm tree.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
The smooth, gray-brown trunk of the Chinese fan palm tree is adorned with drooping fan-shaped leaves that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long, and large clusters of cream white blossoms.
Blue Hesper Palm Tree (Brahea armata)
With a solitary, upright stem and magnificent bluish-green fan-shaped leaves that are 5 ft. (1.5 m) long, the hardy blue hesper palm tree may endure brief freezing conditions. The huge fronds with 40 pointed segments, leaf stalks 3 feet (1 meter), yellow blooming clusters 15 feet (4.5 meter), and yellow fruits are some of the distinguishing characteristics of this hardy palm.
Hesper palm trees are hardy to temperatures as low as 18°F (-8°C) for a short period of time. The robust palm may grow to be 20 to 40 feet (6 – 12 meters) tall and broad, with a fibrous stem. When grown, the full-sun palm tree thrives in poor soil and dry weather conditions, as well as drought.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
The dramatic blue-green spiky leaves, exquisite clusters of yellow blooms, and 1″ (2.5 cm) long yellowish fruits distinguish the blue Hesper palm tree.
Bismarck Palm Tree (Bismarckia nobilis)
The Bismarck palm tree is a beautiful silvery gray foliage that thrives in brief frosty weather conditions. A thick trunk with silver-blue fan-shaped fronds characterizes the evergreen palm tree. The stems are sturdy and have stiff leaves that grow to be 4 feet (1.2 meters) long. A lovely palm head with large, rounded palm leaves is created.
Frost periods as low as 20°F (-6°C) can be tolerated by Bismarck palm trees. But, older palms are significantly hardery and colder. In hot, dry areas, the drought-tolerant palm is suitable for xeriscaping. Bismarck palms, on the other hand, are resistant to cold temperatures. It’s a excellent choice for lining driveways or as a lawn specimen.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
Because of its lovely silvery-blue firm fronds, strong thick trunk, and clusters of big brown fruits that measure 1.5″ (3 cm) long, the Bismarck palm tree is simple to recognize.
Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix)
The needle palm tree is a shrub-like palm with multiple small trunks that may be grown as a tiny patio palm. One of the coldest hardiest palm trees is the needle palm. It thrives in zones 6 through 10, and is hardy to 5°F (-15°C). The thick trunk and frond growth in a fan pattern that produces a rounded head on the palm distinguish this native Florida palm.
With a spread of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters), this small hardy palm tree grows between 3 and 6 feet (1–1.8 meters) tall. Small spaces are ideal for needle palms. As a decorative low-growing tree or specimen plant, bushy palms will also grow well in containers.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
The clumping development of fan-like leaves, robust trunk, and rounded development distinguish the short needle palm.
Guadalupe Palm (Brahea edulis)
The Guadalupe palm tree is a tiny cold hardy palm plant with fan-shaped leaves on the stems, a rough, brown fibrous solitary trunk, and sweet black palm fruits. It is a popular landscaping tree. Guadalupe palms are a slow-growing palm species that grows 15 to 40 feet (4.5 to 12 meters) tall.
USDA zones 9a – 11 are suitable for the Guadalupe palm tree. Before it requires protection, it is hardy to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.6 degrees Celsius). The stiff leaflets growing in a fan formation at the end of long slender stems are a defining characteristic of the Guadalupe palm. Because of the spiky appearance of the thick crown, these palm trees make a strong impression in the landscape. As a consequence, ornamental palm trees are commonly planted in California as landscaping plants.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
Guadalupe palms’ pungent, creamy yellow flowers blooming amid the leaves make them easy to pick in the summer. The palm produces delectably delicious palm fruits after blooming, which you may eat right away or utilize in cooking.
California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera)
The California fan palm is a fibrous threads and a sturdy columnar trunk. Its fan-shaped fronds distinguish it from other cold-tolerant medium-sized ornamental palms trees. The palm tree can survive temperatures of 15 to 20°F (-9.4 to -6.7°C) with minor damage to the foliage and is hardy to USDA Zones 8b – 11. The gorgeous leaves of the California fan palm, which are made up of waxy green blades that spread out in a fan shape, are what distinguishes it.
This palm tree is between 40 and 60 feet tall (12 to 18 meters). The California fan palm’s grayish and tan upright stem is another identifying feature. The skirt-like form of dead fronds at the top of the tree also makes it simple to identify California palms. The gray-green leaves fall down and turn brown after they die.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
California fan palm trees have a tall, straight trunk with thread-like strands on the green palmate leaves, which distinguish them. Desert fan palm is also known as a fan-shaped leaf.
Mexican Palm tree (Washingtonia robusta)
This palm tree is commonly known as the Mexican washingtonia and can grow in USDA zone 9a. It is a relatively cold hardy tree with a tall and slender trunk. With minor foliage damage, the Mexican palm is hardy down to around 20°F (-6.6°C). The Mexican palm tree has a bushy leafy top with a long thin stalk.
The Mexican Fan palm, a different name for the species Washingtonia robusta, gives an idea of its leaf form. Palmate fanned leaves rise majestically on top of an 82-foot-long palmate fan. Tall (25-meter) stems are present. Although the dates aren’t as sweet as those from other species of palms, clusters of edible fruit develop on this date palm.
Hardy Palm Tree Identification
The tall, slender, upright trunk and bushy crown of the Mexican palm distinguish it.