Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Discover the European Fan Palm, also known as the Mediterranean dwarf palm or by its scientific name, Chamaerops humilis. This shrub-like clumping palm is unique with multiple stems sprouting from a single base. Stems grow slowly and tightly together, reaching up to 16 ft in height with leaflets stretching up to 2.5 ft long. Each leaf is protected by sharp needle-like spines that guard against animals. The leaves can be used for weaving and their strong fibers are ideal for creating cordage and brushes. The Chamaerops humilis thrives in rich loam enriched with leaf mold and sand, while successfully enduring poor and dry soils in the wild. Known as one of the most cold-hardy palms, it is used in landscaping in temperate climates and is also used for hedges in Mediterranean areas. The young leaf buds and shoots can be cooked as a vegetable. The European fan palm is a tough and undemanding species, which makes it fairly easy to grow indoors. Since it grows with a wide spread be prepared to have enough space, unless you plan to move it outdoors.