COPERNICIA ALBA

Botanical Name: Copernicia alba
Common Names: Caranday Palm, White Wax Palm
Mature Size: 40–60 feet (12–18 meters) in height, 10–15 feet (3–4.5 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy substrates; prefers well-drained but can tolerate seasonal flooding
Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established but thrives with occasional deep watering
Foliage: Fan-shaped, blue-green to silvery leaves forming a dense, rounded crown
Flowers: Small, creamy-white flowers on long, branching inflorescences
Growth Rate: Moderate

Uses:

Ornamental Palm: Copernicia alba is admired for its stately trunk and striking crown of silvery foliage, making it an excellent specimen for large gardens, avenues, and public landscapes.

Tropical & Subtropical Landscaping: Ideal for warm climates, it enhances oasis-style gardens, naturalistic groupings, and water-efficient tropical designs.

Utility Plant: Known for its hard wood and leaf wax, it has traditional and industrial applications in its native regions of South America.

Benefits:

Drought & Flood Tolerance: This versatile palm withstands both dry periods and seasonal inundation, adapting to varied conditions.

Low Maintenance: Hardy and disease-resistant, it requires minimal pruning and care once established.

Wildlife Habitat: Its fruits and flowers support local fauna, attracting birds, bees, and other pollinators.

Structural Elegance: With its upright form and reflective foliage, it provides vertical interest and a sense of scale in large open spaces.

Copernicia alba is a robust, visually striking palm that brings elegance, biodiversity, and ecological adaptability to expansive landscapes. Its graceful silhouette and tolerance to challenging environments make it a valued choice for both ornamental and functional use.