The California Fan Palm has fan-shaped leaves that spread from around the top of the tree. The old dead leaves hang down along the trunk and create protection for birds, insects and small rodents. In a desert this provides much needed shade and shelter for these creatures.

In earlier times, California Fan Palm oases provided gathering places and living sites as well a a variety of food supplies. The fruit is edible, so is the pith. The leaves made good roof thatch. The seeds from the fruits made great gourd rattles.