Common Name(s): Palmetto, Sabal Palmetto, Cabbage Palmetto

Synonym(s):

Family: Arecaceae

Native To: Southeastern United States

Native Habitat: Areas, and near water courses or on the beaches

Growth Habit: Medium sized palm

Flowering: Creamy white flowers form on a long branched inflorescence in mid-summer

Distinguishing Characteristics: S. palmetto typically reaches heights of 50 feet, but can grow as tall as 70 feet. It has a single unbranching trunk, with a 12 to 18 feet diameter crown. The leaves have a dull finish and are medium green to yellow green in color. Each leaf is about 12 feet long, including the spineless 5 to 6 foot petiole. The leaves are about 6 feet wide. The drooping leaf segments are approximately 3 feet long and 2 to 3 inches wide. Tan fibers come off the edge of the leaves. The leaves emerge directly from the gray colored trunks. The trunk is covered with old leaf stem bases that are arranged in a criss-cross pattern. The creamy white flowers form on a long branched inflorescence from the crown in mid-summer. The fruit then follows in late fall or early winter. The spherical fruit is black and about 1/3 inch in diameter. The shiny brown seeds inside are about ¼ inch in diameter.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: This palm is the state tree of Florida. It is displayed on the state flag of Florida, as well as the state flag of South Carolina. South Carolina is also nicknamed the “Palmetto State” because of the abundance of this palm there.

Ethnobotany: This species is planted extensively along highways and streets in Florida and other surrounding states. The durable trunks are used for poles, docks, and wharf pilings. The young leaves are used for brushes and brooms. The large leaves were used by the Seminole Indians in Florida to make thatch roofs. Since this palm has the unique characteristic of having no growth rings, it is also used sometimes to make tabletops. The large leaf buds of immature plants have also been used in southern cooking to make several dishes. Removal of this bud is lethal to the plant.

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