Palm tree with a thinner, taller and more slender trunk than that of the Washingtonia filifera and of more rapid growth. The leaves are palm-shaped and not as large as in the other Washingtonia or with as many filaments. The rings around the trunk are fairly evident and it also produces pendulous and aromatic inflorescences. At first glance, the young specimens are hard to differentiate between the two species.
It lives in gorges and places through which small water sources are channelled.
Unlike other trees, palm trees have no secondary growth in thickness: at first, the trunk thickens and when they reach the definitive diameter, they start to grow upwards.