Phoenix dactylifera
Date palm, Date Palm
(c) Ashley Basil, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Arecaceae · Type: Shrub · Not Native
Phoenix dactylifera (Date palm) is a non-native California shrub in the Arecaceae family, recognized by clear fruit morphology distinguishes from Phoenix canariensis.
Date palm is a naturalized shrub found in southern California coastal areas and desert regions near development and springs at elevations below 300 meters. Flowering from October to March, this plant produces small flowers clustered in distinctive branching patterns. Growing to heights of 7 meters with characteristic feather-like fronds, it develops a robust and spreading form. Its long leaves generally measure less than 7 meters in length, creating dramatic architectural shapes in the landscape. The fruit is an oblong-ovate brown date 2.5 to 5 centimeters long with thick, sweet pulp.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; clear fruit morphology distinguishes from Phoenix canariensis
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Near development, springs
Elevation: < 300 m
California counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Imperial, Inyo, San Mateo, San Diego, Los Angeles
Outside California: native to northern Africa
Bloom period
Phoenix dactylifera blooms Oct-Mar.
How to tell it apart
vs Washingtonia: Phoenix has feather-like leaves with rows of leaflets; Washingtonia has fan-shaped leaves spreading from one point.; vs Cycas: Phoenix is a true palm with a single unbranched trunk; Cycas has a thick, stumpy trunk and new leaves emerge in whorls.; vs Syagrus: Phoenix leaflets stand stiffly at angles; Syagrus leaflets droop gracefully downward in an arching tent-like arrangement.; vs Butia: Phoenix leaflets are stiff and V-shaped; Butia leaflets curve backward and have a softer, more flexible appearance.; vs Chrysalidocarpus: Phoenix has a single massive trunk; Chrysalidocarpus forms clumps of multiple slender stems from the base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phoenix dactylifera native to California?
No. Phoenix dactylifera is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Phoenix dactylifera bloom?
Phoenix dactylifera blooms Oct-Mar.
Where in California does Phoenix dactylifera grow?
Phoenix dactylifera occurs in Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Imperial, Inyo, San Mateo, San Diego, Los Angeles, at elevations of < 300 m.
What plant family does Phoenix dactylifera belong to?
Phoenix dactylifera is in the Arecaceae family, genus Phoenix.
What habitat does Phoenix dactylifera grow in?
Phoenix dactylifera grows in Uncommon. Near development, springs.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.