What Is a Sabal Palm- Sabal Palmetto

What Is a Sabal Palm and Why Should I Grow One?

I don’t like Sabal palms.

At least that’s what I thought a few years back after starting my research on cold hardy palms.

They didn’t seem as visually appealing to me as other types and personally just looked like large, shrubby weeds.

After stumbling across some different types of Sabals online, I realized that some cool variations of these trees set them apart from other less desirable Sabal varieties.

Today, I have to admit that this genus of palms has become one of my favorites for many reasons I will explain in the following paragraphs.

So, what is a Sabal palm, and should you consider growing them in your area? Let’s find out if these palms are right for you.

TL;DR

If you’re in a hurry here’s a quick breakdown of what is featured in this article:

  • Sabal Palm Varieties: Comprises 15 species, mostly cold hardy.
  • Native Regions: Southeast U.S., Cuba, Puerto Rico, South America, Mexico, Texas.
  • Physical Characteristics: Single-trunk, costapalmate fronds, size varies among species.
  • Common Names: Cabbage palm, Palmetto palm, Carolina palmetto, Dwarf palmetto.
  • Edibility: The heart of the palm is edible, used in swamp cabbage and salads.
  • Growth Conditions: Thrives in subtropical climates, cold hardy to zone 8a – possibly lower, adaptable to various environments.
  • Landscape Suitability: Ideal for coastal areas, landscaping around pools and walkways.
  • Variety Suitability: Larger species for spacious areas, dwarf varieties for underbrush with taller trees.
  • Maintenance: May need fertilizing during the year; avoid over-fertilizing if possible.
  • Special Features: State tree for Florida and South Carolina, wind and saltwater tolerant.

What Is a Sabal Palm?

Group of Sabal Palm Trees
Group of Sabal Palm Trees

Blanketing the coastal areas of the southeast United States, the Sabal palm is made up of 15 species, most of which are very cold hardy.

It has grown in popularity due to its edibility and landscaping benefits.

They are single-trunking palms with costapalmate fronds that create a round fan shape, but develop a curved midrib taking on an almost pinnate look.

Sabal palms are native to the southeast U.S., Cuba, Puerto Rico, and areas of South America, Mexico, and Texas.

Many Sabal types take the name of the actual locations they are most native to.

For example, Sabal Bermudana (Bermuda) and Sabal Texana (Texas).

While most of the Sabal species look similar to one another, there are a few species of Sabal that have more of a unique visual appearance.

Some barely form a trunk whereas others can get up to 80 feet tall.

Some have large, defined fan leaves while others have a smaller, more compact look.

A few of the most common names of the Sabal palms include cabbage palm, palmetto, Carolina palmetto, and dwarf palmetto.

It has been adopted as the state tree for both Florida and South Carolina and both appear on the state flags.

A Palm You Can Eat? Really?

The Sabal palm is also well known for its edibility.

The leaf bud, or heart of the palm has been widely used in the past to make swamp cabbage and hearts of palm salad.

Removing the heart of the palm will ultimately kill the tree, so be aware of any conservation laws that might be in place in your area.

Where Will Sabal Palms Grow?

Sabal Etonia
Sabal Etonia

Sabal palms are most commonly found along the southern Gulf coast of the U.S.

Other areas include Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahamas as well as many coastal and lowland areas of Mexico.

They thrive best in subtropical climates with hot, humid summers.

Sabal palms are not suitable for desert conditions, aside from the Sabal Texana, but can handle some drought.

They are being grown successfully in places like Southern California, but regular watering is needed since California does not experience the humidity and rain levels of the U.S. Gulf Coast.

These palms can grow in cooler Mediterranean climates but will have a much slower growth rate due to the cooler summers.

Most of the species are said to be cold hardy to zone 8a, but if given the right conditions most species can survive brief cold spells into the high single digits.

Cold hardiness can vary greatly between them with Sabal Mauritiiformis showing leaf damage in the mid-20s, while the Sabal Minor can survive temps below zero before showing significant damage.

The average minimum temps for most Sabals is in the mid-teens before protective measures need to be taken.

The great thing about Sabal palms is that they are tough!

They can withstand hurricanes, freezing temperatures, drought, standing water, salt water winds and can grow in many types of soil.

Who Are Sabal Palms For?

Sabal Palmetto
Sabal Palmetto

If you live along the coastal regions of North America, Mexico, or a subtropical climate in general, these palms will be a great fit.

They will also do well in cooler areas such as the Pacific Northwest and even areas of British Columbia, Canada although growth will be slow since summers don’t get significant heat and humidity.

Sabal palms make a great landscape palm for yards, around pools, walkways, and anyone who wants to add a more tropical feel to their frigid location.

Larger species such as the Sabal Causiarum are great for anyone who wants a HUGE fan palm but will need a large area to spread out as the fronds will grow up to about 20 feet across.

The dwarf varieties such as the Sabal Minor and Sabal Etonia, are great for planting as underbrush beneath larger specimens since these palms hardly develop a trunk and generally stay small.

Any Drawbacks To the Sabal Palm?

While diseases and pests are not too common with these trees, some fertilizing may be needed to keep your palm looking its best.

While Sabal palms can tolerate a wide range of soil types, nutrient deficiencies can arise from time to time.

Fertilize a few times a year with a slow-release palm fertilizer.

Be sure not to over-fertilize as this will kill the palm, especially when young and not yet established.

The Wrap Up

Group of Sabal Palmetto trees
Group of Sabal Palmetto trees

If you are a resident of the southeast U.S. then you are probably quite aware of Sabal palms.

For folks living in other parts of the country, especially on the West Coast, the Sabal palm can be a great addition to your landscape as they aren’t as common in these areas.

Here are some key features of the Sabal palm:

  • Cold hardy in zone 8 and above.
  • Perfect for coastal areas.
  • Cold & drought tolerant.
  • Wind & saltwater tolerant.
  • Great as an ornamental or street tree.
  • Leaf bud (heart) is edible but will kill the palm.
  • State tree for both Florida & South Carolina.

With 15 species of Sabals, most of which are very cold hardy, this genus of palm will give you the most variety to choose from.

Looking for something that will stay small and compact? Check out the Sabal minor and Sabal Etonia.

If you are looking for a large specimen that will make a huge statement in your yard, check out the Sabal Causiarum or Sabal Texana as these will get very large!

If you are in the market to expand your cold hardy palm collection, then the Sabal palm is definitely worth checking out!


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