Phoenix canariensis

The Canary Date Palm Tree, scientific name Phoenix canariensis, is easily recognized through its crown of leaves and trunk characteristics. It is also known asCanary Island Date Palm, Canary Palm, Pineapple Palm, and Canary Island Palm. It is native to Canary Islands and North Africa.

Growth Rate: Moderate
Height: up to 50 – 60ft
Light Req: Full sun to Partial shade
Water Req: Moderate
Cold Tolerance: down to 15F

The trunk is topped with a big crown of 45-50 large dark green leaves with 80-100 leaflets in two rows. Arching pinnate, or feather-like, fronds can get up to 18ft long. Lower half of stem are covered with 2-3 inch sharp spines. Be careful while pruning.

Canary Date Palm Tree Description

Phoenix canariensis is a massive palm tree that can grow up to 40-50ft tall and 30-40ft wide. It has gray-brown stout trunk covered with old leaf bases in unique diamond shapes.

It is not a self-cleaning palm, so you need to cut off dead leaves to maintain its beautiful appearance other wise you will end with decomposing leaves hanging from below the palm’s canopy. When pruned correctly, the bottom of the crown has a so called nut that looks like a pineapple, hence the name Pineapple Palm.

The Canary Date Palm produces small creamy flowers held by branched stalks. The Canary Date Palm is dioecious, male and female grow on the same inflorescence. Female flowers are followed by orange-brown to dark purple round fruits, ½ inch in diameter. Fruits are fleshy, date-like, grow in clusters. They are edible but not tasty.

Growing Canary Date Palm Tree

The Canary Date Palm grows well in full sun but can survive partial shade. It is cold hardy to about 15-20F. It can also tolerate drought when mature enough. The Canary Island Date Palm Tree can also grow in a pot.

Canary Date Palm Fertilization

Should be fertilized twice a year during spring and summer.

Canary Date Palm Propagation

Propagated by seed.