Palmetto Palm

An iconic evergreen palm recognized for its tall, unbranched trunk topped with a lush canopy of fan-shaped leaves, symbolizing coastal beauty and resilience.

Botanical Name: Sabal palmetto

Features: The Palmetto Palm showcases a single, sturdy trunk that can reach heights of 40–50 feet, crowned with a full, round canopy of costapalmate (between pinnate and palmate), fan-shaped leaves extending up to 6 feet in length. Each gray-green leaf is divided into numerous thread-like segments. During late spring, it produces branched inflorescences that extend beyond the leaves, bearing thousands of tiny, creamy-white, fragrant flowers, which later give way to shiny black fruits in late summer. 

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 8–11

Mature Size: 40–50' tall, 10–15' wide

Genus Description: Sabal is a genus of palms known for their fan-shaped leaves and adaptability to various environments, commonly found in the southeastern United States and the Caribbean.

Cultivation: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils with full sun exposure. Once established, it exhibits considerable drought tolerance. Its high salt and wind tolerance make it ideal for coastal landscapes. Minimal maintenance is required, and it is well-suited for use as a specimen plant, in groupings, along streets, or in groves. 

Pests and Diseases: Generally resilient, but monitoring for common palm issues such as Ganoderma butt rot, Thielaviopsis trunk rot, or Texas phoenix palm decline is advisable.