Palms For California

Pronunciation: you-TER-pee ED-yuh-liss

Common Name: Assai Palm, Cabbage Palm

Euterpe edulis is the only species (so far) of Euterpe successfully grown in California, and second generation palms (possibly third generation now) exist in our gardens. Very slender palm for wind-protected gardens with somewhat limited ornamental appeal, though orange-crownshafted palms becoming available. So far it seems these orange-crownshafted plants show nearly equal hardiness, which is very exciting. However, this palm can be unpredictably difficult to grow for many, tending to acutely die for inapparent reasons.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with crown of 6-10 leaves Height: 18' Trunk: single; 4"-5" diameter; clean; green sometimes near crownshaft but rest brown, closely ringed Crownshaft: 2' long greenish (some forms have orange crownshaft), narrow (same width as trunk) Spread: 8'-10' Leaf Description: pinnate, arching, flat; medium green; spaced, relatively thin leaflets that droop with age; 6'-8' long Petiole/Leaf bases: short (3"-6"), unarmed, no retained leaf bases Reproduction: monoecious but separate male and female flowers on same inflorescence Inflorescence: white flowers on 2'-3' branched flower stalk from just below crownshaft Fruit: 1" long; purple Seed:

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 25F but some foliar damage Drought Tolerance: poor Dry Heat Tolerance: poor Wind Tolerance: poor Salt Tolerance: poor Growth Rate: slow Soil Preference: well draining and moist; rich and acidic Light Requirement: full to partial sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: some nutritional deficiencies; plants tend to die suddenly without warning; pink rot common, particularly if any trunk or crownshaft damage (do NOT pull the leaves off this palm… cut them off carefully if they need to be removed) Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: poor choice (light needy) Availability: rare but often available at palm specialty nurseries