Mediterranean dwarf palm
Chamaerops humilis
- Layer 2 · Understorey
- Attracts pollinators
Status by region
No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.
Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).
Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.
About
The only palm native to continental Europe, highly resistant to drought and coastal winds. It grows in dense clumps with fan-shaped leaves, providing valuable habitat for local wildlife. In a food forest, it serves as a windbreak barrier and structural element in dry areas.
It is harvested now — September is one of the harvest months.
See which trees Mediterranean dwarf palm grows well with
These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.
No account needed.
Needs
- Water: Low
- Light: Full sun
- Size: Shrubby palm up to 3 m
- Mature diameter: 2.5 m
- Soils: Loam, Sandy, Limestone
- Climates: Hot, dry Mediterranean
Calendar
- January
- February
- March — Planting
- April — Planting
- May — Planting
- June
- July
- August
- September — Harvest
- October — Harvest
- November — Harvest
- December
- Harvest
- Planting
Medicinal use: The tender central shoots and fruits were traditionally consumed in times of scarcity, although of low culinary value.
Where to buy
Central trees worth considering
May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.
May grow well with
Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.
Subterranean cloverTrifolium subterraneumsame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Pale stonecropPetrosedum sediformesame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Bur cloverMedicago polymorphasame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Wild leekAllium ampeloprasumsame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Common houseleekSempervivum tectorumsame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
White stonecropSedum albumsame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Scrambling gromwellGlandora prostratasame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Creeping thymeThymus serpyllumsame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Related plants
Other species in the same layer or with the same function.
It is harvested now — September is one of the harvest months.
See which trees Mediterranean dwarf palm grows well with
These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.
No account needed.
Not ready to map your land yet?
Get the free mini-guide to starting an edible forest.