Cabbage Palm

(Sabal palmetto)

Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Sabal palmetto, commonly known as Cabbage Palm, is an evergreen tree native to coastal plains, maritime forests, and wetlands of the Southeastern USA and the Caribbean. It can reach heights of up to 65 feet (20 meters). The Cabbage Palm has a stout, unbranched trunk with a crown of fan-shaped leaves. The fruit is a black drupe about 0.5 inches (1.3 centimeters) long containing a single seed. This species is extremely salt-tolerant and is often found near both the Atlantic Ocean coast and the Gulf of Mexico coast. Sabal palmetto is hardy to USDA zone 8 and can withstand brief cold dips to 8.6°F (−13.0°C), although it prefers hot and humid summers for optimal growth.

The Cabbage Palm is valued for its low maintenance requirements and adaptability to a range of conditions, including drought and standing water. It is resistant to brackish water and salt winds, making it ideal for coastal landscapes. However, it does not tolerate saltwater flooding. Its striking silhouette and tolerance of salt spray and drought make it a popular choice for urban planting, border planting, and as a focal point in gardens. It produces showy yellow and white flowers in the summer, adding to its ornamental appeal. For best results, it should be planted in full sun or part shade and can adapt to various soil types with different drainage speeds. While drought-tolerant, regular light watering and feeding will enhance its growth.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 30-65 feet
  • Width: 10-15 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Yellow, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Coastal plains, maritime forests, and wetlands

Other Names

Common Names: Sabal Palm, Carolina Palmetto, Common Palmetto, Garfield’s Tree, Swamp Cabbage, Blue Palmetto, Cabbage Palmetto, Palmettopalme, Chou Palmiste

Scientific Names: , Sabal palmetto, Sabal blackburniana, Corypha umbraculifera, Inodes palmetto, Sabal parviflora, Sabal bahamensis, Corypha palmetto, Chamaerops palmetto, Sabal palmetto var. bahamensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Sabal palmetto (Walter) Lodd. ex Schult. & Schult.f.