The mention of palm trees immediately brings to mind images of long afternoons by the beach with the gentle swishing of fan-shaped leaves as they sway in the sea breeze. Palm trees are indeed found in coastal regions and in tropical climates. But did you know that there are at least 2500 species of palms in the world, and that a good number of them can be grown in our homes?

You can grow palm trees in your backyard like more and more people are opting to do. The palm tree’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures and their obvious tropical charm has made them favorite backyard plants in many less-urban parts of the United States.

Palm trees are best described as tall trees with the leaves and the fruits crowning over their long trunks. Belonging to the scientific family called Palmae or Arecaceae, they are mainly identified by the fan or feather-like leaves they sport. Most of the palm trees in the United States are cold hardy and are found in mainly southern California, Florida and Mexico. The hardiest palm trees that can withstand extreme winters are found much further north.

Widely used for ornate decorations, many species of palm trees are now commonly found in the United States and are not native to the country. They have been imported from different countries and naturalized. For example, the Chinese Fan Palm, the Brazilian Queen Palm and the Triangle Palm from Madagascar, are now found in Florida. Though there are drought hardy palms and cold hardy palms, cold hardy palms are best suited to American climatic conditions. Needle palms, Mediterranean fan palms and Butia palms, can withstand temperatures as low as -25 degree Celsius and -12 degree Celsius and thrive in American homes and farms.