Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis)

Family: Arecaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Phoenix canariensis is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet sap which is eaten as syrup or palm honey. — Edible Portion: Fruit, Sap.; Fruit weigh 1.7 g.; The fruit are reported to have an edible outer pericarp.; The fruit are orange, 2 cm long and 1 cm diameter, with a large seed; the fruit pulp when ripe (solid black) is edible, but usually too thin to be worth eating.

Habitat & North American Range

Found at elevations from sea level to 1,200m in a range of habitats, from humid areas just below cloud forest to semi-arid areas where its presence usually indicates groundwater. (Zone 8)