Chinese fan palm

Livistona chinensis

Family: ArecaceaeZones: 9a-11

true palm
landscape fan palm
potentially invasive in Florida

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not documented as a food plant in the sources checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Genuinely unresolved for pets as of this research: no source found addresses this species' toxicity to dogs, cats, or horses. Not researched further.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei, PlotAndPetal's separate entry), which NC State Extension also lists 'Chinese Fan Palm' as an alternate common name for. To tell them apart: Leaf and trunk: this species (Livistona chinensis) has drooping leaflet tips and a smooth gray trunk; Trachycarpus fortunei has a fibrous, hairy brown trunk covering.. A plant tagged 'Chinese Fan Palm' could be either species: check the trunk and the botanical name before applying either guide's care information.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: 9a-11
Water needs: Drought tolerant once established.
Mature size: About 30 ft tall with a 10-12 ft spread (up to 50 ft in ideal conditions); fan-shaped costapalmate leaves 3-4 ft across and up to 6 ft long.
Where it comes from: Southern Japan, Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands, southeastern China, and Hainan.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon