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for the 2026 public tour season.
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Palmetum
Palm trees are iconic features of the Central and Southern California coast
Photo by Lisa Romerein.
Palmetum
Palmetum
Swaying throughout Lotusland is an immense collection of over 500 mature palms. An iconic feature in Central and Southern California, yet only one species, the California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera), is native to the state. Near the Water Garden, the Palmetum has over 60 different types of palms, many of which are not found elsewhere on the property. One of Lotusland’s newest gardens, the Palmetum was designed by Eric Nagelmann and completed in 2017.
the
Noteworthy
Features
Palm Leaves
Palmate leaves grow in a fan shape out of a central point at the end of a petiole, formed like a hand. Pinnate leaves are feather shaped, with leaflets all along a central axis called a rachis.
Tile Bench
This charming tile bench designed by George Washington Smith has been part of Lotusland since the 1920s. After exploring the Palmetum, take a break and enjoy a beautiful view of the palms and Lotus Pond.
Cabbage Palm
Sabal palmetto
The state tree of South Carolina and Florida, the cabbage palm will grow up to 90 feet tall in ideal conditions. Its fruits are enjoyed by visiting squirrels, raccoons, and other wildlife.
Cliff Date Palm
Phoenix rupicola
The cliff date palm is enjoyed for its small and tidy appearance. While many palms have textured growth on their trunks, the cliff date palm’s trunk is smoother, only scarring where leaves once grew.
DID YOU KNOW?
The palm family (Arecaceae) is very diverse and of huge economic importance, being used for food, oil, fiber, building materials, and as ornamental landscape plants.
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Gallery
