Palm (Sabal)

Sabal is a genus of about 17 slow-growing fan palms native to tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas. Species share fan-shaped leaves, but mature size, hardiness, habitat, and growing needs vary by species. ## Identification and use The [Royal Horticultural Society genus profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/281480/sabal/details) describes Sabal palms as fairly hardy and notes their fruits ripen from green to red. The [UF/IFAS overview](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR357) explains that species occupy different habitats and require species-level identification; common names such as “palmetto” can refer to different palms. Confirm the species before assigning a site, hardiness range, or mature dimensions. ## Maintenance Choose irrigation, pruning, and winter protection only after identifying the Sabal species and checking a matching regional growing guide.