Originally from the northwest of Mexico, it is a slow/medium-growing palm with a thick trunk, which can reach 15m in height, and its glaucous-silver leaves can be between 1 and 2m in diameter.

Its temperature range is between -10ºC and 38ºC.

It is drought tolerant, but occasional deep watering is recommended.

Its flowering in inflorescences is hermaphroditic and stands out both for its size, which can reach 6m in length, and for its cream color, which contrasts with the color of its leaves. It usually appears in May/June, although it may not occur every year.

The fruits usually mature between September and November and are edible.