What do you mean by palmate? You mean unspilt? or really the shape of a palm (like your hand)? Most pinnate palms produce unspilt leaves initially, but eventually they will start splitting... still, these leaves are linear and narrow (like wide blades of grass), not palmate. Some palmate palms also have strap leaves initially that can look a LOT like those of pinnate palms, but eventually they become palmate (usually in less than 4 years, though). Photo would certainly clear things up.

The seedlings are 4 years old and have leaves that look like Washingtonia. They are definitely palmate. Will they eventually become pinnate? My Canary Island dates had pinnate leaves the second year. I germinated the pits between wet paper towels so I know the seeds weren't mixed up.

Do they still have seedling leaves? Did you purchase the seeds over the internet?

No, they are past the seedling leaf stage. They have about 5 leaves which have from 3 to 7 fingers each. I purchased the dates at the grocery store, ate them, and saved the pits. They do look similar to my Washingtonians except the Washingtonians have fine threads coming off the leaves and these do not. Is there a way to attach pictures to these posts?

There is a way to post pictures. If you post a reply to this, you will see a photo icon along with the icons to make the text bold or add a link. This will be just below the text box.

Pardon me for saying, but, are you completely sure they were dates?

I would enjoy a photo.

No Phoenix ever produces a palmate leaf at any stage of its life... you do not have a date palm.

palmbob, I think you are right, but there is still chances for genetic mutation.

not likely (eg. a 0.001% chance, if even that). Photo would be great!

Without a photo we're 'flying blind'.

Here are some pictures.

Hey, latourelljl, the pictures didn't show up. Maybe try posting them again? (C'mon! We are all dying of suspense! Lol.)

Second try at posting pictures.

Chamaerops. Though be nice to see a close up of petiole, too.

Aha, yes.... Well, we can be certain it is not a date palm...