Types of Palm Trees

Updated July 2, 2026

 

When we think of palm trees, we might think they’re all the same or at least similar. But that’s not even close to the truth! There’s actually over 2,600 palm tree varieties - and not all of them grow on warm, sunny beaches. Believe it or not, some of these palms like cold temperatures and temperate places.

Some of what we think of as palm trees aren’t even palms at all! Cycads, for example, look very similar to palms with their thick trunks and green leaves, but this family of plants isn’t closely related to palms. Instead, they’re a closer relative to gingko trees.

Already surprised by some of these tidbits? Keep reading to get the scoop on all things palms!

Palm Tree Facts & Features

Size

We may be most familiar with taller palms lining beaches or roads, but not all palms are tall and not all are considered trees. In fact, it’s actually a misnomer to call all palms “trees.” Some are better classified as shrubs, while others have more of a climbing habit, like vines.

Compact varieties often reach only 6 to 9 feet in height, and palms grown indoors or in containers can be even smaller than their outdoor counterparts. At the same time, some palm species are counted among the tallest tree species in the world. The Wax Palm, for instance, can grow up to 200 feet tall!

Hardiness

And not all palms are warm-weather plants, despite the common misconception. Some species tolerate cold temperatures, and a few palm trees can thrive in temperatures down to negative degrees Fahrenheit, as well as in snow and ice conditions.

Leaves

The best way to determine if a plant is a palm is by looking at its leaves. Palm leaves are typically thin fronds either in a feather or fan-like formation. Cycads, on the other hand, have stiffer leaves that emerge from a central stalk.

Trunks

Another way to identify a palm is by examining its trunk. Taller palms have slender trunks that are smooth, grayish-brown or ringed, while dwarf trees have rotund, short trunks. Though the single-trunked palm is what we usually think of, some shorter varieties do have multiple trunks that grow together. And some palm varieties don’t have trunks at all.

So, let’s take a look at some common palm varieties below to learn more!

Different Types of Palm Trees

Cold-Hardy Palm Trees (That Thrive Beyond the Tropics)

Windmill Palm Tree

Noteworthy for its hardiness, the Windmill Palm Tree can be planted outdoors in places that reach temperatures of 10 degrees in the wintertime! When planted outside or in a container, this attractive palm, with its fan-like fronds, reaches 10 to 20 feet in height.

The Windmill Palm is also very easy to grow. Plus, it’s drought tolerant and disease resistant, and you don’t need to spray it with chemicals for it to thrive.

Needle Palm Tree

The Needle Palm Tree is known for its sharp leaves and shrub-like growing habit. Each frond grows in a rounded way, building one off of the other. It’ll reach 3 to 9 feet in height and width.

The Needle Palm thrives in climates no one would call tropical! It can withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees and can grow happily in either sun or shade. It’s also pest and disease resistant, so it requires very little care from you.

European Fan Palm Tree

Unlike many palms, the European Fan Palm Tree produces clustered trunks that then sprout dramatic, two-foot circular “fan” fronds. These multicolored fronds range in hues from green to blue to gray and yellow, adding diversity to any landscape.

The European Fan Palm adds a tropical flair to any yard, but don’t let its looks fool you. It’s also tremendously cold tolerant, thriving in temperatures down to -20 degrees! What’s more is that it’s drought resistant, making it an all around hardy variety.

Pindo Palm Tree

The hardy Pindo Palm doesn’t mind frigid temperatures! Plus, its squat, bristly trunk produces inward curving fronds and, in warmer places, amber-colored fruit. In fact, Pindo dates are prized for jam and jelly-making.

If you’re considering planting the Pindo Palm in your yard, it can grow to a height of 20 feet and a width of 15 feet. Since it can withstand cold temperatures, most gardeners plant the Pindo outside in-ground, though it does like containers, as well.

Canary Island Date Palm Tree

Also known as the Pineapple Palm for its distinctive pineapple-shaped crown, the Canary Island Date Palm is one of the most recognizable palms in the world. Its large, arching fronds can reach 8 to 12 feet long, and its textured, diamond-patterned trunk only adds to its appeal. Hardy and durable, this palm does well in coastal and warm inland climates alike.

It's also one of the more cold-tolerant date palms out there, handling temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it a viable option for gardeners outside of purely tropical zones. Over time, it develops into a truly massive specimen, so it works best as a long-term focal point in a larger yard or landscape. Few palms can match the sheer presence of a mature Canary Island Date Palm in full form.

Best Palm Trees for Containers & Small Spaces

Areca Palm Tree

The Areca Palm grows further north than other palms because it does well in containers and in low light. If you live in a colder place, you can plant your palm in a pot and move it indoors when temperatures drop.

Planted in the ground, the Areca Palm grows taller, but in containers, it only reaches six to nine feet tall. What’s more, this small palm sprouts white flowers and ornamental fruits called betel nuts.

Majesty Palm Tree

The Majesty Palm Tree has tall fan-like fronds that grow directly from the soil. It’s also one of the lowest-maintenance palms you can find, as it needs neither pruning nor fertilizing. When planted in a container, the Majesty Palm only reaches heights of 8 to 10 feet; planted outdoors, it’ll grow 20 feet high.

In addition to its attractiveness, the Majesty Palm is also able to grow in partial sun conditions, as well as in clay and wet soils.

Pygmy Date Palm Tree

A miniature palm, the Pygmy Date is praised for its small size - reaching only 6-7 feet tall in a container or 7-12 feet tall when planted outside. This short tree sports a squat, rough trunk that sprouts slender leaflets. In warmer climates, the Pygmy Date Palm even produces small, creamy white flowers and fruit for added interest. Plant this variety in a container to decorate your porch or entryway and welcome guests to the tropics!

Coconut Palm Tree

One of the key benefits of a palm tree is, of course, growing your own coconuts! When it comes to coconut tree vs palm tree, the Coconut Palm is actually a type of palm tree. Even if you grow the Coconut Palm Tree in a container, it’ll produce creamy-fleshed coconuts in a short time. Plus, when pot-grown, this palm will only reach 5 to 10 feet in height, so it fits almost anywhere in your home.

This variety actually arrives growing out of a coconut, which sits on top of its container for a unique, tropical look! Eventually, this palm will produce ringed, gray bark and beautiful, bright green fronds. In warmer months, you can move your Coconut Palm Tree outdoors where it’ll show off its wind, heat, and drought resistance.

Fishtail Palm Tree

The Fishtail Palm is known for its upward-growing stalks with loosely spaced, bright green leaves. The leaves are truly unique in that they’re wider at the tip than the base, clearly resembling fishtails.

The Fishtail Palm is also an ideal container plant. Though it prefers temperatures over 55 degrees, it can withstand a few periods of frost. Still, you may want to move your palm indoors during the colder season, so it can reach its full potential.

The Needle Palm thrives in climates no one would call tropical! It can withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees and can grow happily in either sun or shade. It’s also pest and disease resistant, so it requires very little care from you.

Lady Palm Tree

We often think of palm trees as sun lovers, but that's not the case with the Lady Palm! Though it does appreciate full sun, this palm will still thrive in low light and shady areas, making it one of the most versatile palms you can grow.

The Lady Palm is a slow-growing palm tree, multi-trunked variety with lush, fan-shaped fronds that add a tropical feel to any space. Whether you plant it indoors in a container or outdoors in the ground, it's a standout in any setting. Plus, its drought and heat tolerance mean it doesn't require constant attention to look its best.

What makes the Lady Palm especially unique is its adaptability. It's one of the few palms that genuinely thrives indoors, making it a popular choice for homes and offices alike. Container-grown, it typically stays between 5 and 12 feet tall. But don't let its compact size fool you. This palm brings just as much tropical character as varieties twice its size.

Lipstick Palm Tree

The Lipstick Palm is one of the most visually striking palms you can grow, named for its vivid red crownshaft that pops against its bright green fronds. It thrives in humid, tropical conditions and grows to about 15 feet tall, making it a great choice for a bold, colorful accent in a warm-climate garden. If you want a palm that truly turns heads, this is it.

Unlike many palms that blend quietly into the background, the Lipstick Palm is unapologetically showy. It does best in consistently warm, moist conditions and appreciates regular watering to keep its vivid color looking its best. Because of its moderate size, it works beautifully as a container plant in warmer months, or as a permanent fixture in a tropical garden design. Either way, it's guaranteed to be a conversation starter.

Palms That Aren't Actually Palms

Ponytail Palm Tree

If Dr. Seuss drew a palm tree, the Ponytail Palm would be it! This multi-trunked gem replaces more common fronds with clumps of ultra-thin green tendrils. Also known as the “‘Elephant Foot Palm,” this tree is in the shape of an elephant’s foot and its trunk is covered with gray bark.

Size-wise, however, the Ponytail Palm can grow quite large, depending on where it’s planted. In-ground, it can reach 30 feet or more in height, but when planted in a container, it’ll stay more compact, only reaching about 6-8 feet tall.

Sago Palm Tree

Because of its thin, closely-spaced leaves and upright growing habit, the Sago Palm Tree is technically a cycad, not a palm. Still, it adds a tropical flair to your home with elegant, breezy, island-inspired attributes. Plus, it thrives in a container and needs to be watered no more than a cactus! Some gardeners even like to move their Sago Palms inside during the colder and warmer seasons as home decor.

Cardboard Palm

Don't let the name fool you. The Cardboard Palm is anything but ordinary! This unique variety gets its name from the thick, stiff texture of its leaves, which have a slightly waxy, cardboard-like feel when you touch them. Though it's technically a cycad rather than a true palm, it brings the same tropical character you'd expect from any palm in your collection.

The Cardboard Palm grows in a low, spreading habit, which makes it a great choice for gardeners looking for something a little different. Plant it in the ground and it takes on more of a shrub-like appearance, fanning out with its vivid green, rounded leaves. Pop it in a container and it becomes a striking indoor or patio accent that's incredibly easy to maintain.

Tall & Tropical Palm Trees

Queen Palm Tree

The Queen Palm Tree earned its name for its height, regal fronds, and small orange fruit. If you’re seeking the quintessential beachside palm, this is it! You can also pot this variety in a container and grow it indoors if you don’t live in a year-round sunny locale. One of the tallest palms on this list, this one reaches 50 feet at maturity when planted outside to create quite the spectacle!

Christmas Palm Tree

If you look up “palm tree” in an encyclopedia, this is the plant you’re going to find. The Christmas Palm or Manila palm is the quintessential palm in shape and appearance, offering tropical, beachy visions. It sprouts two or more trunks, and its arching fronds are wide enough to provide shade. But this palm won’t take up tons of room, as it only grows 10 to 25 feet tall and 5 to 10 feet wide, so you can plant it into a container or into the ground!

Foxtail Palm Tree

The Foxtail Palm gets its name from its full, arching fronds that resemble a fox's tail, and it's just as eye-catching as it sounds. This fast-growing palm thrives in warm, sunny climates and can reach 30 feet tall outdoors. It's a great choice if you're after a tropical showstopper that's also surprisingly low-maintenance.

Unlike some palms that need constant pruning and care, the Foxtail Palm naturally sheds its old fronds on its own, keeping itself tidy without much help from you. It also produces clusters of bright red fruit that add even more visual interest throughout the year. Plant it in full sun and well-draining soil, and this palm will practically take care of itself.

Sylvester Palm Tree

One of the unique, fruit-producing palms on this list, the Sylvester Palm Tree produces dark purple to black dates! Enjoy the tree’s symmetrically-circular fronds that are a beautiful, silvery, blue-green, along with its rough, diamond-patterned trunk, and sweet, delicious dates plucked straight from the tree. An all around stunning and unique variety, you can’t go wrong planting the Sylvester Palm!

Royal Palm Tree

If you've ever admired the stately palms lining resort driveways or tropical boulevards, chances are you were looking at a Royal Palm. With its smooth, silvery trunk and dramatic crown of arching fronds, this palm can reach up to 70 feet tall and makes a bold statement in any landscape. It grows best in warm, frost-free climates and thrives in full sun.

One of the things that makes the Royal Palm so recognizable is its distinctive green crownshaft, which sits just below the fronds and gives the tree a clean, polished look year-round. It's also a surprisingly fast grower for such a large palm, putting on several feet of height each year under the right conditions. If you have the space and the climate for it, the Royal Palm is about as close to a living landmark as you can get.

Bismarck Palm Tree

The Bismarck Palm is hard to miss. Its striking silver-blue fronds fan out dramatically, giving it one of the most distinctive looks of any palm variety. It's a slower grower, but well worth the wait, eventually reaching 40 to 60 feet tall. Plant it as a focal point where it has room to spread, and it'll reward you with a truly unforgettable yard.

Beyond its looks, the Bismarck Palm is also impressively tough. It's drought tolerant once established and can handle brief periods of cold better than many tropical palms. Its massive fronds can span up to 10 feet across, so give it plenty of room to show off. If you're looking for a palm that makes a serious design statement, this is the one.

King Palm Tree

The King Palm earns its name with its tall, elegant trunk and rich, dark green fronds that stay neatly above the crown. It's a popular choice for tropical landscape designs and looks especially striking planted near a pool or along a walkway. A slow-growing variety, the King Palm requires minimal maintenance once established.

What really sets the King Palm apart is how clean and tidy it stays as it grows. Old fronds drop off on their own, so you won't spend weekends pruning. It also produces seasonal clusters of small purple flowers that add a welcome pop of color. Whether you plant it as a standalone focal point or in a row for a resort-inspired look, the King Palm delivers every time.

The Diversity of Palm Trees

As you can see, palm tree types are much more diverse than you may have assumed! Many varieties will surprise you with their unique characteristics and abilities. Some can thrive in cold climates and less than tropical conditions, while others are quite small in size or not even trees at all. No matter the palm you choose, these varieties are sure to make your yard or home feel bright and sunny! Who says you need sand and waves to enjoy an island vacation?

Keep scrolling to view the helpful breakdown of all varieties mentioned above, including sizing, zones, sunlight requirements and more, so you can pick the right variety for your yard or home.

And whether you already have a favorite palm in mind or are just getting started, And don’t forget to shop our full Palm Tree Collection for more inspiration!