Windmill Palm

We don’t usually think of palm trees when we think of trees in Albuquerque. Our cold winter climate is just too much for them. However, there is at least one species that will grow okay here – the windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei). 

Originally native to parts of China, India, Myanmar and Japan, this cold tolerant grass relative has been in cultivation for hundreds of years. It grows well in parts of Europe and has apparently become somewhat of an invasive species in southern parts of Switzerland. Next time you go, maybe you’ll see some!

By some criteria, palms are not “real” trees. They do indeed grow quite differently from woody trees like pines and oaks. They are related to the grasses in the large plant group called the monocotyledons – the plants with one seed leaf, not two. They do not develop wood; instead, their trunks are pithy and fibrous. Their roots also don’t become large and woody (making them way less invasive!).

They do best for us with some warm microclimate selection. The plants pictured above are on the south side of a house. These particular plants took a hard hit during the cold snap of December 2006 but have recovered nicely during the intervening years.

Plant these palms in well-draining soil – they don’t like wet feet! Water them regularly, about once a week when it’s hot; they will need less water than a woody tree. They can grow about one foot per year in height. A great tree for a warming climate!

Contact us to find out more about our Albuquerque tree removal services.