Palmetto Palm

Palmetto palm is an evergreen, single-trunked palm native to the southeastern United States, the Bahamas and Cuba. Its large fan leaves and fragrant summer flowers give it year-round foliage interest, while its dark fruit provides food for wildlife. ## Growing conditions and landscape use North Carolina State Extension lists USDA hardiness zones 7b–11b and describes established plants as tolerant of drought and flooding. It grows in full sun and can accept some shade when young; the source lists acid, alkaline or neutral soils and good drainage through occasionally wet conditions. Cream to white flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators. The fruit is black to blue and ripens in autumn. The palm is highly tolerant of salt spray, though Florida IFAS cautions that it does not tolerate saline soil around its roots. ## Maintenance Give the mature palm room for its trunk and broad canopy. Water regularly while young and establishing; established plants tolerate a wider range of moisture conditions. [NC State Extension: Sabal palmetto](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sabal-palmetto/) and [UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Sabal palmetto](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/palms-and-cycads/sabal-palmetto/).