Tree selection plays a big role in how your landscape looks and feels—and when it comes to tropical flair, nothing beats the palm tree. Whether you’re creating a lush oasis in your backyard or looking for a potted beauty to brighten your indoor space, palm trees come in a wide range of sizes to fit any space or style.
From compact varieties perfect for balconies and containers to towering giants that line city boulevards, there’s a palm tree for every kind of gardener. In this guide, we’ll walk through 30 of the most popular palm trees, organized by size—small, medium, and large—so you can pick the right one for your space.
Table of Contents
Small-Sized Palm Trees (Under 12 Feet Tall)
If you’re working with limited space or need a palm tree for indoor placement, small varieties are the way to go. These compact palms offer tropical beauty without overwhelming your area. Most stay under 12 feet in height and are suitable for pots, patios, and even shaded corners.
Here are some of the most popular small palm tree options to consider:
1. Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
A slow-growing feather-leaf palm with a graceful single trunk. It thrives in partial to full sun and works beautifully in containers or small garden beds.
2. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea spp.)
These versatile palms grow up to 10–12 feet tall and feature multiple slender stems. They tolerate low light and are popular as indoor tree choices.
3. Mazari Palm (Nannorrhops ritchiana)
Clumping in form and desert-tolerant, this unique palm has triangular leaves and maxes out around 12 feet. It’s ideal for dry, sunny climates.
4. Diamond Palm (Johannesteijsmannia altifrons)
With dramatic, corrugated leaves and an underground trunk, this palm tree reaches about 12 feet in height. Great for shaded, sheltered spots.
5. Chinese Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix)
An exceptionally cold-hardy palm that grows to just 5–7 feet. Its deeply divided fan leaves make it an eye-catching choice for cooler regions.
6. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Technically a cycad, but often grouped with palms. It’s compact, symmetrical, and grows well in pots—perfect for patios or tabletops.
7. Dwarf Majestic Palm (Ravenea hildebrandtii)
Tops out at around 8 feet and produces classic feather-shaped leaves. It prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.
8. Green Needle Palm
A tough, spiny tree native to North America. It grows slowly, reaching 10–12 feet, and thrives in a range of climates.
9. Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis)
Recognized by its swollen trunk, this palm grows very slowly and rarely exceeds 10 feet. Its unusual shape makes it a conversation piece.
10. Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor)
No visible trunk above ground, with fan-shaped leaves growing directly from the base. Compact and extremely cold-hardy.
11. Seashore Palm (Allagoptera arenaria)
Stays around 5–9 feet tall, with soft feather-like leaves and pineapple-scented fruit. A fun, tropical tree perfect for sandy soil.
These small palm tree varieties are ideal for gardeners who want tropical charm without a massive footprint. Many of them are low-maintenance and suited to both indoor and outdoor use.
Medium-Sized Palm Trees (15–40 Feet Tall)
A medium-sized palm tree works beautifully in residential gardens, along walkways, or grouped in clusters for visual drama. These varieties often feature unique trunks, elegant fronds, and enough height to create a canopy effect without dominating your yard.
Here are some of the top medium-height palm tree choices:
12. Blue Hesper Palm (Brahea armata)
A stunning fan tree with silvery-blue leaves and extreme drought tolerance. It can reach up to 45 feet but grows slowly. Ideal for desert or Mediterranean landscapes.
13. Christmas Palm (Adonidia merrillii)
Named for the red fruits it produces in winter, this palm reaches 25–30 feet and is often planted in threes. It has a clean, smooth trunk and lush, arching leaves.
14. Orange Collar Palm (Areca vestiaria)
Known for its vibrant orange crown shaft, this palm grows up to 20 feet. It’s a tropical showstopper, best suited to warm, humid climates.
15. Piccabeen Palm (Purple King) (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)
Grows between 25 and 45 feet tall with feather-shaped leaves. Great for laneways or grouped plantings.
16. Thatch Palm / Key Thatch Palm (Thrinax spp.)
These fan-leaf palms grow 25–35 feet tall. Their deeply divided leaves and slim trunks look great in minimalist or tropical-style gardens.
17. Old Man Palm (Coccothrinax crinita)
A slow-growing tree around 20 feet tall. It has a shaggy, fibrous trunk that adds character to any landscape.
18. Triangle Palm (Dypsis decaryi)
With a striking three-sided frond pattern, this palm reaches up to 30 feet. It makes a unique centerpiece in open spaces.
19. Latan Palm (Latania spp.)
This palm can grow 20–25 feet and comes in red, yellow, or blue-leafed varieties. Excellent as a standalone feature.
20. Fiji Fan Palm (Pritchardia pacifica)
A beautiful fan-leaf tree that grows around 30–35 feet. Works well grouped or as a single specimen in tropical-themed gardens.
21. European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)
A cold-hardy palm reaching about 20 feet. Often grown in clusters, it’s excellent for adding fullness and texture.
22. Clustering Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis)
Named for its fishtail-shaped leaves, this palm grows to 20 feet and forms dense thickets. Ideal for privacy screens or tropical hedges.
23. Lipstick Palm (Cyrtostachys renda)
This eye-catching palm grows to 35 feet and features a vivid red crown shaft. It prefers wet soil and looks stunning near water features.
24. Butterfly Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Also known as Areca Palm, it reaches up to 25 feet and grows in clusters. A favorite for adding tropical flair and light shade.
These medium-sized palm tree varieties are versatile and elegant. Whether you’re designing a driveway border or a shaded backyard corner, these palms bring structure and beauty without the need for large-scale planting space.
Large-Sized Palm Trees (40+ Feet Tall)
If you have the room—and the vision—a large palm tree can transform your property into a tropical paradise. These giants bring height, shade, and architectural interest, and many of them are used in urban or estate-style landscapes for maximum impact.
Here are some of the most majestic large palm tree options:
25. Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis)
Often called the “king” of palms, this impressive tree grows up to 70 feet tall and 25 feet wide. Its broad canopy and stiff, arching fronds create a regal look in any setting.
26. Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)
Fast-growing and elegant, the Queen Palm reaches up to 70 feet. It produces fine-textured, arching leaves and is often used as a subtler alternative to Royal Palms.
27. Chilean Wine Palm (Jubaea chilensis)
This slow-growing palm reaches 60–80 feet. Its thick, gray trunk and tidy crown make it ideal for formal gardens, but it needs ample space to shine.
28. Royal Palm (Roystonea regia)
Tall, stately, and symmetrical, Royal Palms can grow up to 90 feet high. Their smooth trunks and feathery leaves make them the go-to tree for lining boulevards and driveways.
29. Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera)
Known worldwide, this tropical tree grows about 60 feet tall and up to 30 feet wide. It not only looks beautiful but also produces coconuts in the right climate.
30. Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta)
One of the tallest palm varieties, this palm can soar up to 100 feet. It has narrow trunks and large fan-shaped leaves—perfect for lining streets or framing wide landscapes.
Other Noteworthy Mentions:
- Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis) – Up to 50 feet with graceful arching fronds.
- Sabal Palmetto – Native to the southeastern U.S., reaching over 70 feet with deep green fan leaves.
- Bismarck Palm (Bismarckia nobilis) – Up to 50 feet, with stunning silver-blue fan leaves and a bold presence.
- Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) – Technically on the smaller end of the “large” category (30–50 feet), this cold-hardy tree is ideal for temperate climates.
Large palm tree varieties require more planning and space, but the results are unforgettable. Whether you want a formal allée or a tropical focal point, these towering trees deliver lasting beauty and shade.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tree for your space doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially with so many palm varieties available. Whether you’re working with a small balcony, a modest backyard, or a wide-open landscape, there’s a palm tree that fits perfectly.
From compact options like the Pygmy Date and Chinese Needle palms to mid-sized showstoppers like the Triangle and Christmas palms, and finally to towering giants like the Royal and Canary Island Date palms—each tree adds its own charm and structure to your garden.
Plan for your climate, space, and maintenance preferences—and let one (or several) of these beautiful trees bring a year-round tropical vibe to your home.