BRAHEA EDULIS

Botanical Name: Brahea edulis
Common Names: Guadalupe Palm
Mature Size: 20–40 feet (6–12 meters) in height, 10–15 feet (3–4.5 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates rocky and sandy conditions
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Stiff, fan-shaped green leaves with slender petioles and a dense, rounded crown
Flowers: Cream-colored flowers on tall, arching inflorescences; followed by small, dark edible fruits
Growth Rate: Moderate

Uses:

• Ornamental Plant: Brahea edulis is valued for its tidy form and graceful crown, making it ideal for use in Mediterranean-style, desert, or coastal gardens.

• Xeriscaping: Well-suited for low-water landscapes, particularly in warm climates with dry summers.

• Edible Landscaping: The sweet, date-like fruit is edible, historically consumed by indigenous communities and local fauna.

Benefits:

• Drought Resistance: Thrives in dry environments with minimal irrigation after establishment.

• Low Maintenance: Adaptable, pest-resistant, and easy to care for with occasional pruning.

• Ecological Value: Its flowers and fruits attract pollinators and wildlife, supporting biodiversity.

• Longevity and Structure: A long-lived palm that brings vertical interest, shade, and year-round green structure to landscapes.

Brahea edulis is a resilient and elegant palm, perfect for adding tropical character and sustainable beauty to dry or coastal gardens. With its edible fruits, wildlife value, and refined appearance, it’s both a practical and ornamental asset to the landscape.