Sunny SoCal just wouldn’t be the same without its palm trees. They line the streets, sway gently in that warm Pacific breeze and add an extra touch of magic to Los Angeles’ already iconic postcard-perfect imagery. But did you know that most of them aren’t even native to Southern California? And that there’s more than just one kind?
Here are just a few of the different kinds of palm trees you’ll spot around the city and the story behind how they got here!
The history of palm trees in Los Angeles
Palm trees may be one of L.A.’s most recognizable features, but they’re not actually from California at all!
Franciscan monks were among the first to plant palms in Southern California in the 18th century, primarily for their religious significance in Palm Sunday ceremonies. As Los Angeles grew, palm trees became a symbol of paradise, exoticism and warm climates — an image that was deliberately cultivated by city planners and Hollywood alike.
Most of the trees in Los Angeles, though, were only planted in the early 20th century, particularly during a massive beautification effort leading up to the 1932 Olympics hosted in Los Angeles.
The city wanted to create a lush, tropical aesthetic that would cement L.A. as an exotic vacation destination, and palms were the perfect choice. Over 40,000 Mexican fan palms were planted as part of a $100,000 citywide project that employed over 400 workers and lined over 150 miles of streets with palms!
Despite their iconic status, many of LA’s palm trees are now nearing the end of their lifespans. The Mexican fan palm can live up to 500 years in its native habitat, but outside of it their lifespans are significantly shorter, and environmental threats such as the red palm weevil and South American palm weevil have further impacted the city’s palm population.
In addition to their natural decline, many palms are being purposefully phased out of Southern Californian cities. Since palm trees require significant amounts of water and provide little shade, they are no longer being replaced or replanted — instead, city planners are opting for more sustainable trees that offer greater environmental benefits, more shade, longer lifespans, less water requirements and more benefits to local fauna.
While the palm-lined streets of Los Angeles may eventually change, the image of these trees swaying against the California sky will always remain a part of the city’s legacy.
Here are just a few of the palms that you'll see around the cities of Southern California!
Palm trees you can see around L.A. and Southern California
California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera)
This is the only palm tree that’s actually native to California! It has a thick trunk and wide, fan-like fronds. You’ll find it in natural desert oases as well as urban settings.
Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta)
The towering giants of the palm world, these trees can grow up to 100 feet tall! If you picture those ultra-tall, skinny palm trees lining the streets of LA, you’re probably thinking of this one.
Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis)
With its thick, pineapple-textured trunk and long, arching fronds, this palm has a very regal look. It’s often found in parks and upscale neighborhoods where it's a popular landscaping feature.
Queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)
Elegant and tropical, the queen palm is a favorite for residential and commercial landscapes. It has feather-like fronds and even produces small, bright orange fruits.
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera)
Yes, these trees actually produce edible dates! They have a tall, slender trunk and feathery leaves, and while they’re often grown in groves, you can spot them alone in garden landscaping around the city too.
King palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)
Smooth, green-trunked and gorgeously lush, this palm is often planted in clusters for a dramatic and grandiose effect. It’s a popular choice for L.A.’s gardens and parks that want a hint of grandeur.
Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana)
You might recognize this one as a popular indoor plant, but it also grows outdoors in L.A.’s mild climate! It’s a slow-growing palm with elegant, arching fronds.
Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)
This one stands out with its rough, fibrous trunk and fan-shaped leaves. It’s more cold-hardy than other palms, making it a go-to choice for decorative landscaping.
Pindo palm (Butia capitata)
Shorter than most other palms, the pindo palm has blue-green, feather-like fronds and produces small, edible fruits. It’s great for home gardens and public spaces alike!
Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops humilis)
Unlike L.A.’s tall, single-trunk palms, this one grows in a multi-trunked, bushy form. It’s a favorite for residential landscaping and has a unique, full-bodied look.
Palm trees are as much a part of Los Angeles as the Hollywood sign and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re strolling through a park, cruising down a palm-lined boulevard or just enjoying the view from our Southern California apartments, these trees help define LA’s signature look.
Pin it!
Featured photo by Vital Sinkevich on Unsplash
Second photo by Andrew Ridley on Unsplash
Third photo by Shot By Joe on Unsplash
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
View All Posts by Colleen Ford