Description
Sabal palmetto, commonly known as the cabbage palm, is a sturdy, slow-growing palm that reaches heights of 15–20 meters (50–65 feet). It features a smooth, grayish-brown trunk often covered with crisscrossing patterns left by fallen fronds. Its crown consists of large, fan-shaped leaves that are 1–2 meters (3–6 feet) wide, with green blades and a distinctive costapalmate shape. Small, creamy-white flowers grow in branched clusters, followed by small, black fruits.
Native to the southeastern United States and parts of the Caribbean, the cabbage palm thrives in a variety of soils, including sandy and salty ones, making it well-suited to coastal environments. It is highly drought-tolerant, wind-resistant, and can withstand cold temperatures down to -14°C (7°F).