the genus
TRACHYCARPUS

From the Greek “trachys”, rough, “carpos”, fruit, a poorly chosen name for a genus, which, in fact, possesses relatively smooth fruits!

Subfamily: Coryphoideae
Tribe: Corypheae
Subtribe: Thrinacinae

The subtribe includes 14 related genera such as Chamaerops, Rhapidophyllum, Thrinax, Rhapis, etc...

This genus includes 8 species of fan-leafed palms native to mountainous regions of north India, Nepal, Thailand, and China. The species of Trachycarpus are solitary, dioecious palms, with separate flowers on male and female trees. In the wild these hardy palms inhabit forests, meadows, and rocky canyons or slopes at up to 7500 feet in elevation, and may be regularly covered with snows in winter. Several Trachycarpus species have become popular in horticulture for their resistance to cold and relatively rapid growth. The best known representative of the genus, the Chinese Windmill Palm, T. fortunei (sometimes still sold under the old name, Chamaerops excelsa) is one of the most commonly planted and best loved palms in gardens. The trunks of Trachycarpus species vary from just a few inches in height (T. nanus) to over 50 feet (T. takil). Although smooth and naked with age, in youth these stems are generally covered with matted brown fiber (a signature trait of the genus) which may assist trees in survival in their frost-prone habitats.

Culture: Trachycarpus species accept sun or shade and will tolerate drought. Good drainage is essential.

Trachycarpus fortunei
Common Names: Chinese Windmill Palm, Chusan Palm
Cold Tolerance: 5F (-15C) USDA Zones: 8-10a

Typical Height: 25' (but can grow as tall as 40’)Growth Rate: Moderate
Habit: Solitary

Status: In Stock, single, curved, & multi trunks
Available Range: 15–100gal. B&B 3'–18'CT

Trachycarpus latisectus
Common Name: Windamere Palm, Sikkim Palm
Cold Tolerance: 5F (-15C) USDA Zones: 8-10a

Typical Height: 40' Growth Rate: Moderate
Habit: Solitary

Status: In Stock
Available Range: 1–15gal.

Trachycarpus wagnerianus
Common Name: Dwarf Chusan Palm
Cold Tolerance: 0F (-18C) USDA Zones: 7-10a

Typical Height: 20' Growth Rate: Moderate
Habit: Solitary

Status: In Stock
Available Range: 15–100gal. 2'–14'CT

Trachycarpus takil
Common Name: Kumaon Palm, frequently confused with Trachycarpus wagnerianus
Cold Tolerance: 0F (-18C) USDA Zones: 7-10a

Typical Height: 20' Growth Rate: Moderate
Habit: Solitary

Status: In Stock
Available Range: 15–100gal. 2'–14'CT

Other species of Trachycarpus:
T. martianus, T. nanus, T. oreophilus (all occasionally available)
T. schizophylla - only seedlings available