Bermuda Palmetto

The Bermuda palmetto (Sabal bermudana) is a fan palm endemic to Bermuda and the only palm indigenous to the islands. It bears small yellowish-white flowers in spring and fruit that ripens to purplish black in autumn. ## Site and use Bermuda’s [Department of Environment and Natural Resources](https://environment.bm/bermuda-palmetto) reports mature height to about 35 ft (10.5 m), upland and coastal forest and freshwater-marsh habitats, and tolerance of many conditions except salty ones. Birds and other wildlife feed on the fruit. The [Royal Horticultural Society species profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/16187/sabal-bermudana/details) provides the accepted species name and related taxonomy; its genus profile describes Sabal palms as slow-growing. The plant is regionally distinctive, so use Bermuda-specific guidance for local conservation and planting decisions. ## Maintenance Select a salt-free site and preserve fruiting clusters where practical as a food source for local birds. Follow local guidance for this Bermuda endemic.