| A genus of about 15 palms, from parts of the Caribbean, Mexico, and the southeastern
U.S. These palms are solitary-trunked and unarmed with costapalmate leaves, usually grayish-green in color. The habitats of
these palms vary from swampy conditions to dry coastal conditions where salt spray is prevalent. Many of these palms are very
cold-tolerant and adaptable to some drought and salt spray. |
|
Click to Enlarge |
1. S. mauritiiformis
Height: Up to 80 feet
Size of Crown: 7-12 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: This palm from Central
and South America has a thin, tall trunk with long costapalmate leaves on long petioles. It occurs naturally in low coastal
areas with calcareous soils and also up to about 2000 foot elevations. This palm grows well in open sunny areas with adequate
water but thrives in protected areas at immature stages. This palm looks beautiful planted in groups, or independently, in the
landscape. |
|
|
2. S. domingensis
Height: 30-35 feet
Size of Crown: 10-15 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: This palm from the
Dominican Republic and Cuba is an impressive specimen, with a stout, smooth and light grey trunk and a beautiful dense and round
crown of leaves. A good choice to plant in groups or to line a path or drive. |
|
3. S. tminor
Height: 3-6 feet
Size of Crown: 2-4 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: This low-growing palm
is endemic to the southeastern parts of the U.S. It can be seen growing in swampy lowlands within established forests. The
faintly costapalmate leaves are erect with a bluish grey-green color on underground or above-ground trunks depending on
environmental influences. This palm makes a unique, large groundcover among other trees. Even though it is a water-lover, it can
also tolerate hot and dry conditions. S. minor, like some other Sabal species can also tolerate
cooler temperatures. |
Click to Enlarge |
4. S. palmetto (Palmetto Palm)
Height: 80 feet in nature, after many years
Size of crown: 10 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: Native to the
southeastern United States and used extensively in southern Florida, the Palmetto Palm takes its time to reach a height over 30
feet, with attractive persistent leaf bases and showy inflorescences. The palm is very salt and wind tolerant, making it a good
choice for coastal planting and does well in a variety of soils. |
