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Phoenix Reclinata or Senegal Date Palms - Specifications and Characteristics
Brought to you by Cole Farms, Inc.






Scientific Data - : Phoenix reclinata Pronunced FEE-nicks reck-lih-NAY-tuh. The more common name is Senegal Date Palm Part of the Arecaceae family

Maximum Height - This is a clumping multiple trunk tree. Heights reach from 25 - 50 feet. Some trunks tall and some shorter.

Trunk Diameter - The trunks are slender and long and are generally about 6 - 10 inches in diameter.

Crown Characteristics - Phoenix Reclinatas are topped by crowns of beautiful dark and yellow green feather shaped fronds. The fronds range from 8-14 ft long and about 1-3 ft wide. They extend up and then curve down towards the ground. Much like a Canary Palm frond. The base portion of the frond is covered with very sharp needles near the trunk. The tree does not look dangerous but a closer inspection will prove otherwise.

Common uses - This palm is often used as a dramatic centerpiece for large yards, parks, corporate entries and other areas. The Senegal Date palm or Phoenix Reclinata is often displayed against large structures or backdrops where its feather like fronds are easily seen and appreciated. Like the Canary Palm this tree is normally the focal point of a landscaping theme.

Facts - The Buds may be eaten raw or cooked much like a vegetable. The heart of the crown can be eaten, and the fruit or dates are also edible. The fiber from the tree is used for Mats, rope, baskets and string as well as baskets and roofing material. The leaves of the Senegal Date Palm produce a useful dye. Also, a palm wine can be brewed from the fermented sap obtained from trees.

Cold Hardiness - Grows well in zones 8-11 Can handle temperatures to around 25 degrees fahrenheit before the leaves begin to burn and turn brown. One nice feature of this tree is that it tends to come back even after freezing temperatures have damaged the branches. In other words it dies back after a freeze but often comes right back. Like most palms, mature trees handle the cold better than young trees.

Soil Requirements - They do best in a light moist but well drained soil. Full or partial sun.

Growth Rate -

Planting Zone -

Transplanting -

The articles below list the "SPECIFICATIONS" for various popular palm trees. The information includes maximum height, diameter, growth rate, cold hardiness, crown diameter, growth zone and cost. They are listed alphabetically below :

The Phoenix Reclinata (Senegal Date Palm) - General information and specs on the Phoenix Reclinata.

The Sabal Palm Tree (Cabbage Palm) - General information and specs on the Sabal Palm.

The Silver Queen Palm Tree - General information and specs on the Silver Queen Palm.


We have written a series of articles on the "CARE & MAINTENANCE" of the different types of palm trees. The first article below is a general care guide for all palms and the subsequent articles are species specific. They are listed alphabetically :

General Care for all Palm Trees - Basic upkeep guide for all Palm Trees.

Caring for your "Phoenix Reclinata" Palm Trees - General care tips on keeping your Phoenix Reclinata (Senagal Date Palm) healthy.

Caring for your Sabal / Sable Palm Trees - General care tips on keeping your Sabal/Sable Palm Tree healthy.

Caring for your Silver Queen Palm Trees - General care tips on keeping your Silver Queen Palm Tree healthy.