Mexican fan palm

Washingtonia robusta

Family: ArecaceaeZones: 9a-11b

true palm
tall landscape palm

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

physical (dead-frond fire hazard, not a toxin)

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.

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-11b
Water needs: Drought tolerant once established; grows faster with consistent moisture.
Mature size: 50-100 ft tall, 8-10 ft wide; columnar trunk with a rounded crown of fan-shaped leaves.
Where it comes from: Northwest Mexico; naturalized in Florida, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Texas.

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