This is a solitary fan palm that develops a tall, straight, gray trunk that may reach 50 feet (15 m) or more in height. The species lacks a crownshaft, with old leaf bases often persisting on younger specimens before weathering away to reveal a smooth trunk. Its dense, symmetrical crown consists of rigid, costapalmate leaves covered with a bluish-white wax that gives the palm a striking silvery appearance, especially when viewed in sunlight. Large, branched inflorescences emerge among the leaves and produce abundant small flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. The fruits are small, round to oval, dark purple to black when mature, and are consumed by birds and other wildlife. This palm is best known as the source of carnauba wax, often called the "Queen of Waxes," which is harvested from the leaves and used in products ranging from automobile waxes to cosmetics and food coatings.