Palm trees are iconic symbols of tropical and subtropical regions. With their slender, tall trunks and fan-shaped leaves, palm trees stand out in any landscape. While there are over 2,600 species of palm trees, some varieties grow much taller and skinnier than others. The super tall, skinny palm trees often seen in travel photos and postcards are typically one of a few specific species. Knowing the names of these exceptionally tall, slender palm trees can help you identify them and learn more about their unique characteristics.
What Makes Some Palm Trees So Skinny and Tall?
Most palm tree species have a single straight, relatively thick trunk covered in the scars from old frond bases that fan out into wide crown of leaves at the top. However, certain types of palms have evolved super skinny trunks that can grow outrageously tall.
There are two key reasons why some palm species develop such tall, narrow trunks:
Fast Growth
Some palm species have extremely rapid growth rates, especially when they are young. Fast-growing palms like the carrotwood can gain over a foot of height each year when conditions are optimal. This fast upwards growth allows the trunk to shoot up high while staying very narrow in diameter.
Lack of Branching
Unlike many trees, palm trunks do not form branches. Without secondary branches to provide width, palms can keep their trunks very narrow as they grow taller. Some palms also drop their lower leaves as the trunk elongates, further emphasizing the skinny appearance.
The Super Skinny Species
While all palms have skinny trunks compared to the diameter of most hardwood trees, certain species stand out as exceptionally tall and narrow. Here are some of the skinniest palm tree varieties:
Mexican Fan Palm
The Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) is one of the most common super skinny palms. Native to northwestern Mexico, this fast-growing species can reach heights over 100 feet tall on trunks only 1-2 feet in diameter. The trunk is ringed with leaf scars and topped with a crown of long green fronds. Mexican fan palms thrive in hot climates and are popular landscaping trees in the desert regions of the southwestern U.S.
Pindo Palm
Also called the jelly palm, the pindo palm (Butia capitata) is another very tall, skinny species. These palms grow a single trunk covered in old leaf bases that tapers up to heights of 30-60 feet. Their spiky, blue-green fronds spread out in a large canopy. Pindo palms need mild winters and are most commonly found in coastal areas of the southeastern U.S.
Chusan Palm
The Chusan palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is a cold-hardy species native to eastern Asia. In warm climates, Chusan palms can grow very tall and narrow, sometimes reaching 50 feet high or more. These palms have shaggy fiber covering their trunks and stiff, fan-shaped leaves. They are popular ornamental trees, especially in Europe and coastal areas of the eastern U.S.
Senegal Date Palm
The Senegal date palm (Phoenix reclinata) is native to Africa. It has a narrow, ringed trunk that grows up to 66 feet tall. This species has stiff leaves up to 10 feet long clustered in a bushy crown. Senegal date palms are sometimes used to line boulevards and are cultivated in parts of the southern U.S.
Queen Palm
With heights up to 50 feet, the queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) is another very slim species. The queen palm has a smooth gray trunk ringed with leaf scars. Its bright green leaves are plumose, meaning they have thread-like strands that give them a fuzzy appearance. Native to South America, queen palms are popular ornamentals in warm regions like Florida and southern California.
Identifying Features
In addition to their impressively tall, slender trunks, here are some key features that help identify super skinny palm trees:
- Ringed trunk pattern from old leaf bases
- Small diameter trunk relative to height
- Lack of branching on the trunk
- Stiff, fan-shaped fronds
- Large, spreading canopy
- Leaf scars and fibers on the trunk surface
- Spiky leaves on some species
Trunk Height to Width Comparison
| Palm Species | Typical Height | Typical Trunk Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Mexican Fan Palm | 100 ft | 1-2 ft |
| Pindo Palm | 60 ft | 1-1.5 ft |
| Chusan Palm | 50 ft | 1-2 ft |
| Senegal Date Palm | 66 ft | 1-1.5 ft |
| Queen Palm | 50 ft | 1-1.5 ft |
As the table shows, these palm species reach impressive heights on very narrow trunks. Many have height to trunk diameter ratios over 50:1.
Climate Preferences
While tall, skinny palms occur in various regions, they share preferences for warm, fairly tropical climates. Most of these species thrive in the following conditions:
- Warm temperatures year-round, ideally over 20 °C/68 °F on average
- High sunlight and heat during the summer
- Mild, frost-free winters
- Moist, well-draining soil
- Protection from strong winds
Certain super skinny palms like pindo, queen, and Senegal date palms can survive brief temperatures drops to -7°C/20°F when mature. But most do best in USDA zones 8 to 11, where freezing weather is very rare.
These palms also need deep, frequent watering to support their fast vertical growth. Dry soils can cause stunted height and leaf browning. However, soils also must drain well to prevent rot in these sensitive species.
Native Habitats
Super skinny palm species typically originate from locations with warm, humid climates like:
- Southeastern U.S. coast
- Mexico and areas of Central America
- Northern South America
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Southeast Asia
- Southern China
- Mediterranean region
When the climate is suitable, these palms thrive across the southern U.S., particularly in Florida, California, Texas, and the desert Southwest. They are also popular landscape trees in tropical regions like Hawaii, the Caribbean, parts of coastal Australia, and Mediterranean countries like Italy and Greece.
Uses in Landscaping
The impressively tall, slender trunks of these palms make them perfect choices for dramatic focal points and accents in landscapes. Here are some key uses for super skinny palms:
Specimen Trees
Their unique narrow silhouette makes these palms ideal specimen trees. Plant one alone in the lawn or use a pair to flank an entryway. The striking form is perfect for drawing attention.
Poolside Plantings
Skinny palms evoke a tropical resort vibe. Use them near pools and spas for a paradise feel.
Lining Driveways or Paths
Plant super skinny palms in a row down either side of a long driveway or path to create a dramatic tall canopy.
Small Urban Yards
These palms don’t need much root space. Their tidy habit makes them work well even in small urban lots.
Container Accents
Use young specimens to add height and tropical flair in large planters and containers on patios.
Potential Drawbacks
While their unique look provides strong appeal, super skinny palms do have some potential drawbacks:
- Need warm climates and ample moisture
- Can be damaged by high winds due their height and slender trunks
- Require occasional pruning to remove dead fronds
- Older specimens drop fronds that must be cleaned up
- Most species have spines on their leaves that can be hazardous
- Trunk growth results in a “hurricane cut” look as lower fronds die
Proper siting, staking, pruning, and species selection can help avoid issues. Using multiple trunked specimens also improves wind resistance.
Conclusion
If you are looking to add drama and tropical flair to your landscape, planting one of the super tall yet skinny palm varieties is an excellent option. Seeking out species suited to your climate and properly caring for them will bring you years of enjoyment of these uniquely statuesque palms. With their towering heights and pencil-thin trunks, super skinny palms create an unforgettable silhouette and commanding focal point.
