Florida State Tree
Sabal Palmetto

The Florida State Tree is the Sabal Palm, also known as, the Sabal Palmetto, Cabbage Palm, or Palmetto. As a native tree in Florida you'll find it growing wild throughout the state.

The Sabal palm has a single unbranching trunk and can grow to a height of around 65 feet. This very hearty and robust palm has become a popular landscape plant.

Sabal Palmetto near the Castillo de San Marcos

Sabal Palmetto Attributes

• salt tolerant
• hurricane resistant
• able to tolerate drought or standing water
• cold hardy
• highly adaptable
• easy care
• fire resistant

A newly planted grove may look rather odd. Tall straight trunks with no leaves. When the palms are harvested and replanted the leaves and roots are pruned to give it a good start in its new location. Once established new leaves quickly emerge from the center crown.

Driving around the state you're sure to see our State Tree along the roadsides. Thousands have been planted in groves to help quiet road noise. They have even been found to have a calming effect on motorists. The beautiful palm groves are a wonderful diversion along the miles and miles of blacktop.

The heart of the palm was commonly eaten by Native Americans. It resembles a cabbage head but the taste is quite bland. Removing the growing heart is very destructive and kills the palm. The Native Americans also used the palm fronds as thatch on their buildings.

In mid-summer yellow/white flowers appear on a long branch protruding from the center of the palm. In the fall squirrels, raccoons and birds enjoy the fruit and seeds that have replaced the blossoms.

Sable Palmetto line the Bayfront

The Sable Palm is one of the first things that comes to mind when people think of the Sunshine State. They love the tropical feel of the Sabal Palm. Palm trees swaying in the breeze, now that is Florida!