Ability to Respond Total:10 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )
Confidence:Medium
Confidence Notes:
Impact
Spread
Notes
Score
Spread Rate
Most spread occurs in disturbed riparian areas. Can also be found around urban areas, where seed can geminate from planted trees. The rate of spread is greater in southern California. Long range dispersal can occur by water, and potentially by birds.
3
Spread Amount
Taxon occupies only a handful of environments (riparian woodland and riparian scrub including desert washes). It does have the potential to grow in agricultural land when sufficient water is available.
2
Damage
Notes
Score
Ecological
Can produce monospecific stands in riparian areas. Dead palm fronds are a fire hazard. May hybridize with native California palm, W. filifera, to form hybrid Washingtonia x filabusta.
2
Agricultural
0
Infrastructure
No known damage to infrastructure
0
Cultural
No known damage to culture.
0
Health
Mexican fan palms drop large fronds as they die, potentially from dozens of feet, which may cause injury to unsuspecting people below. The fronds also have sharp barbed leaf petioles which may cut the skin.
1
Benefit
Notes
Score
Ecological
No known ecological benefits.
0
Agricultural
No known agricultural benefits.
0
Infrastructure
No known infrastructure benefits.
0
Cultural
Mexican fan palms are very popular landscaping plants, and many people find them aesthetically pleasing.
3
Health
No known health benefits.
0
Total
5
Ability to Respond
Ease of Response
Notes
Score
Detection
Very easy to identify. Taxon and propagules are readily apparent and are spread only through limited, known pathways.
5
Control
Pulling out seedlings and cutting down mature plants with a chainsaw are effective mechanical treatments. Fire and grazing aren't effective. Triclopyr, glyphosate, and imazapyr are effective chemical treatments.
5
Tools in Place
Notes
Score
Entry
Not listed on CCR 4500 Noxious Weed list or CDFA Pest Rating. Very popular landscaping plant.
0
Control
0
Outreach
Online resources are available to manage the species.
