Phoenix canariensis

Phoenix canariensis_young canary island date palm_JM DiTomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Common names: Canary Island date palm

Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island date palm) is a tree that has escaped cultivation in southern California to invade stream corridors as well as orchards and, occasionally, landscaped areas. As the name implies, Canary Island date palm is native to the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa. Growing to 25 m tall, Canary Island date palms tend to grow in clusters that form a dense canopy that excludes light from reaching beneath them, leading to a loss of native plants.

Cal-IPC Rating: Limited?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Phoenix canariensis Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Phoenix canariensis_fruits_copyright2014_NealKramer
    Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island date palm) fruits. Photo: &#169 2014 Neal Kramer
    Phoenix canariensis_mature tree (maintained)_copyright2014_NealKramer
    Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island date palm) mature tree (maintained). Photo: &#169 2014 Neal Kramer
    Phoenix canariensis_naturalized stand_copyright2014_NealKramer
    Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island date palm) naturalized stand. Photo: &#169 2014 Neal Kramer