Were you puzzling about this: where do palm trees grow?
WE CAN HELP YOU OUT!
We live in the desert city of Tucson Arizona, which is much more well-known for the giant saguaro cactus. Not so much for palm trees! Yet, palm trees do grow here. Yes, there are palm trees that are suited to a desert climate.
Though people usually think of the humid tropics for palms.
We'll see the differing climates, places, and conditions where palm trees can grow. Or even love to grow!
If we do that together here, we'll get that question answered!
The First Thing...
...to figure out is where do palm trees grow in the easiest and happiest way?! Isn't that where we like ourselves to be!?
Our kids, too. For their best growing up years. So it is with palm trees. Where most of them are happy growing is in tropical & subtropical climates of the world!
MAPPING THE TROPICS & SUBTROPICS
PLUS OTHER PLACES?
Yet there are other areas where they can grow! Not particularly easily. It means they need added attention in one way or another.
Thinking about where do palm trees grow, we'll start with a more centralized area. Were you thinking of Where Palms Can Grow in the U.S.?
We've noted that seems to be a prime question for lots of people.
Then expand outward from there. Like finding Where Do Palm Trees Grow endemically. Or if the palm you like could Survive Where You Live!
MOSTLY SOUTHERN STATES
The states in the United States that have palm trees are generally in the South. And of course, you know Hawaii is a state that has palm trees growing on each of the island counties.
And you'll be right! If you've been there, you've luxuriated within them. Did you get any Sunset Palm View Photos?
But they're also in the very southeastern part of the country. And you're likely aware that Southern California has many palm trees.
But surprisingly, they're found throughout many other U.S. states. Are you wondering which states? We've lined it out at Palms in U.S. States>
Palm trees are divided into specific groups according to environmental needs. That's the key for the right palm in the right place. You must ask, where do palm trees naturally grow?
But whatever clime they're suited for, they must have correct care.
For instance, we live in the Sonoran Desert. Yes, the Tucson Arizona area.
Our acre lot was full of desert plants that we love. Like saguaro & other cacti. Also creosote bushes that give a lovely scent with rain.
But Bill knew I also loved palm trees. He surprised me with a birthday gift one year with a palm tree suited for the desert!
It was a Mexican Fan Palm. I planted it, began taking care of it. It was doing well.
In a couple years a job opportunity prompted our move to Southern California. We rented out our home. We asked the tenant (a retired woman) to take care of the palm.
Apparently she didn't do much. When we ourselves retired, arriving back to Tucson, the palm tree had died! She told us, "I'm not very good at taking care of plants, sorry."
That was my first experience with "hardy" palm trees going bad. The palm was not yet well-established. The proper care it needed was lacking.
Palm trees need a careful foundation to survive well. Here's what to consider for figuring out where palm trees grow...
COLD TOLERANCE
What's generally the coldest temperatures the area has? A palm tree enduring temps below their tolerance often begins to frost and/or get damaged.
DROUGHT TOLERANCE
Dry climates can dehydrate a palm tree pretty quickly. Humidity levels in the single digit to 20% range aren't great for most palms. Even those suited to deserts.
SUN TOLERANCE
We think of palm trees in sunny tropical areas. Yet all do not like hot, scorching sun beating down on their leaves all day long!
Those assessments are variable when figuring out if a palm tree will grow where you'd like. There's a bit more to figure out.
You may live in the desert, for instance. Yet what's the elevation there? That influences winter's cold temperatures. The higher the elevation, the colder the lowest temps. Important details for choosing your palm.
Now think of your own climate. For best success, match up the palm tree you'd like to have. In other words: the right palm for the right place!
To figure out where do palm trees grow for your area, check these points in order:
Cold-Hardy Tolerance
Drought Tolerance
Sun Maximum
Seasonal Steadiness
Yes, analyze the climate, weather & area components. That Helps You Evaluate where palm trees can grow. Look over the characteristics of a species you want to consider. You'll want to know the water needs, and Your Growing Zone. Also where do you plan to plant a palm? How much sun does that spot get. Compared to the needs of the palm.
All these considerations to match up your palm to your specific clime. All for getting the right palm in the right place!
Palm trees grow many places from tropical & sub-tropical climates. As we saw in Oregon, to even areas outside those. But that doesn't mean they're native to all those areas.
Always keep in mind elevation! Which can change a tropical-like biome to temperate, or even near-alpine.
Where have palms always naturally grown? Where Are Palms Native to?
All parts of Africa have endemic palms. Think of the two specific categories for this large continent's varied climate. Palms suited to desert climates as opposed to wetter areas.
The southern/southeastern parts of this continent has abundant native palm species. Plus tropical/subtropical islands. Likely the highest concentration in the world.
This continent/country has many varieties of palms that are native. They're usually found in coastal areas, which receive the most rain. A few native drought-resistant species are in some arid areas. Plus temperate areas in the south also have a few of the cold-hardy native species.
One species of palm is native to specific southern areas of Europe. The Mediterranean Fan Palm is indigenous to the Mediterranean coastal areas, and islands.
One species of palm tree is endemic here. Nīkau is the unique palm that grows down under. It's the farthest south successfully growing natural palm tree.
Tropical & subtropical climates are suited to native palm development. But palms have been taken to other climes which are tolerable. Yet some states are surprising for areas that supported native palm plants.
Another U.S. state with originally resident palms is Hawaii.
MORE NORTH AMERICAN AREAS FOR PALMS
Native palm species grow throughout tropical and subtropical sections of all countries. Extensively in rain forests and rainy coastal areas. South to about Las Grutas Argentina.
Palms can grow in many areas throughout the earth. Most palm species grow in fully tropical climates. Many others can grow in subtropical areas. Both these areas have native palms.
Among these climates are deserts. Because some palm trees are drought tolerant and need lots of sun. Even so, these palms do need specific care, as they can't thrive without it.