Blue hesper palms really do have blue leaves, more so than any other palm. The grow in
desert canyons in northwestern Mexico, Baja California, and the Sonoran desert.
Identification: Trees are less than 50' (15 m) high and 16' (4.9 m) in
diameter. The leaves form a roughly spherical top, with older leaves hanging below; if not
removed, the leaves eventually form a “skirt” reaching the ground. Sometimes the blue gray
leaves appear more whitish. The trunk is slightly swollen at the base. The trees produce striking
flower clusters (up to 15' (4.6 m)), filled with cream-colored flowers.
Photo courtesy of L. R. Landrum, Manager, ASU Vascular Plants Herbarium