Common Name:
dwarf palmeto
Family Name:
Arecaceae
Botanical Name:
Sabal minor
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Dwarf palmetto is a small, trunkless palm that usually grows 1.2–3 m (4–10 ft) tall (1). It has large, costapalmate (fan-shaped) leaves that can reach up to 0.9–1.5 m (3–5 ft) across (1). The leaves are bluish-green and divided into 30–40 narrow segments. Its trunk is mostly subterranean, rarely visible above ground. Inflorescences extend from the leaf axils, grow about 1.5 m (6 ft) and bear small, creamy-white flowers in summer (2). Fruits are shiny black drupes, 1–1.5 cm (0.4–0.6 in) in diameter, maturing in late summer (1).
Compound:
Sab min
Geographic Origin:
Southeastern United States
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Coastal plain wetlands, floodplains, and riparian woodlands
Natural History:
Sabal minor is native to the southeastern United States, ranging from South Carolina and Florida westward to Oklahoma and Texas (1). It is one of the most cold-hardy palms, surviving temperatures as low as -20 °C (-4 °F). The genus Sabal is widespread in the southeastern coastal plain and is culturally significant in southern landscapes. Its subterranean trunk makes it highly resilient to flooding and freezing (2).
Cultivation Notes:
This palm thrives in moist, sandy, or loamy soils and tolerates occasional flooding (1). Once established, it is drought-resistant but grows best with consistent moisture. It is adaptable to sun or partial shade and commonly used in native plant gardens for its hardiness and evergreen foliage. Propagation is typically by seed, which germinates slowly (2). The species is hardy to USDA Zone 7 (1).
Ethnobotany:
Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Seminole, used the leaves for weaving mats, baskets, and thatching (1). The fruits were occasionally eaten, though not widely considered a food source due to bitterness. Early settlers also utilized the durable leaves for roofing and crafts. Today, the species is valued for its ornamental and ecological roles (2).
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Blue
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
Citations:
1. U.S. Forest Service – Fire Effects Information System (FEIS). Retrieved: October 1, 2025 2. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – Sabal minor (Dwarf Palmetto). Retrieved: October 1, 2025
