Windmill Palm

The windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is a slender, upright palm with a fibrous, brown trunk and large, fan-shaped green leaves that give it a classic tropical appearance. It grows slowly to about 20–40 feet tall and is commonly used as an ornamental tree in landscapes.

In north Texas, the windmill palm is one of the most reliable palms for cold weather. It is cold-hardy to around 5°F (and sometimes slightly lower once established). It performs well in USDA Zone 7b–8a, especially when planted in a protected location away from strong winter winds. Mulching the base and protecting the crown during extreme cold snaps can help it survive occasional severe winters.