Sabal Palmetto, AKA the Cabbage Palm!

Today, we’re diving into what makes the sabal palmetto special—from its biology and wildlife value to its cultural history—and how Floridians can help protect and support this iconic native plant. Learn More: What is a tree? https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/trees-cities-towns/tree-selection/what-is-a-tree Sabal palmetto: Sabal or Cabbage Palm https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST575 Sorting out the Florida Sabal Palms https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR357 How You Can Help: If you’re adding palms to your landscaping, consider adding a native cabbage palm instead of a nonnative palm. Protect what’s growing – Remember, sabal palm trunks do not self-heal like “normal” trees would – take care to avoid damaging them! Defend them against weedwhackers and other trauma. Practice responsible pruning - Don’t remove green fronds unnecessarily; fronds provide food and energy for the palm. Unless the frond is dry and brown,the tree still needs it. If you MUST prune, prune responsibly – only fronds that hang down and have already started to die off. (Learn more) Support conservation, Observe, andAppreciate our State Tree - Take a moment to notice sabal palms in your community—and thebirds and wildlife they support. Sources: Cabbage palm – Sabal palmetto ⁠ https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/tree-tour/cabbage-palm/ Sabal Palm ⁠ https://www.nps.gov/places/000/sabal-palm.htm Sabal palmetto: Investigating the ecological importanceof Florida’s state tree ⁠https://www.proquest.com/openview/22f53c0e4a34046d4bb033c747102003/1?cbl=18750&pq-origsite=gscholar https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST575 https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR357