Bay Palmetto

Bay palmetto is a solitary fan palm with a slender trunk and large, costapalmate leaves whose segments may curve back toward the leaf tips. Palmpedia describes the species as native across parts of Central America, northern South America and the Caribbean, with mature height varying substantially among forms and growing conditions. ## Identification and siting The common name Bay Palmetto is used for this species; other names recorded by Palmpedia include Savannah Palm, palma de guagara and Carota. Its leaves can show a mildly silvery underside. The source describes a heat-loving palm suited to full sun or partial shade and reports cold hardiness around USDA zone 9b. Its broad range and habitat variation make local conditions important when selecting a site. ## Maintenance Palmpedia recommends planting with the upper portion of the root heel exposed rather than burying it deeply. Allow room for a solitary palm and avoid assuming that one published height applies to every plant. [Palmpedia: Sabal mauritiiformis](https://palmpedia.net/wiki/Sabal_mauritiiformis).