The Guadalupe palm boasts shiny green, wide costapalmate leaves and is popular for its exotic looks, stout height of 30 to 36 feet and exceptional, bright canopy. Closely related to the San Jose Hesper, the Guadalupe is a more robust-looking tree, with a thicker, slightly saxophone-shaped trunk, wider petiole and stiffer, green leaves.

The Guadalupe leaf bases remain persistent for many years, and are a decorative element to the tree with a spiral pattern wrapped in fibrous sheaths. The palm is a striking addition to any landscape and comes with the added bonus of producing an edible fruit. The leaves do not persist on the clean trunks of mature specimens, and are self-cleaning, providing the added benefit of being relatively low maintenance. The trunk is brown then grey, corky to roughly ringed. Summertime brings fragrant white flowers dangling from inflorescences that do not exceed the length of its leaves. The small fruits of the Guadalupe palm are sweet and can be eaten fresh or used to make preserves.

The exotic and endanger Guadalupe palm, native only to Guadalupe Island in Mexico, is only now slowly recovering in its habitat. Guadalupe Island was once inhabited by feral goats, and their trampling on new tree growth and consumption of seedlings denuded the island and nearly caused this precious palm to become extinct. The goats have since been removed from the island, and the Guadalupe is beginning to rebound in its natural habitat. Fortunately, this palm thrives through cultivation here in California.