This large vigorous fan palm has a solitary smooth grey trunk with a swollen base and a rounded crown with a skirt of dead fronds. The divided fronds have grey green segments with pendant thread like fibres and the whitish flowers appear in a cluster in summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Washingtonia filifera is naturally found In North America from southern California to south-west Arizona, north-west Mexico and Baja California growing along creeks and around natural springs preferring a mediterranean climate. 

It grows in most well drained moderately fertile to fertile soils in an open sunny position and is drought and frost tolerant. 

The Cotton Palm is grown for its habit and foliage. It is planted in parks and large gardens as a lawn specimen or in group plantings along avenues. It is also grown in drier regions for a tropical effect and when young may be used in pots or tubs. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. When planting take care to choose a suitable location as it requires reliable moisture and ample room to grow. ID 425 

Washingtonia (wo-shing-TON-ee-a) filifera (fee-LI-fe-ra)

Arecaceae (ar-ek-AY-see-ee)	
(Palmae)
Palm Family