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Dwarf palmetto

How to identify Dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor)

Dwarf palmetto, also known as Palmetto

Dwarf palmetto is a compact palm reaching heights of 2-10 feet (60-300 cm). This plant exhibits a slow growth rate and features large, fan-shaped leaves that add a tropical flair to landscapes. Its resilience is notable, tolerating some drought conditions once established and handling cold down to zone 7 when given winter protection. It has moderate salt tolerance, allowing it to thrive in a range of environmental conditions. The foliage remains largely unappealing to deer, making it a durable choice for areas with wildlife presence.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Palm

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Dwarf palmetto

1

Large fan-shaped leaves spanning 1-5 feet (30-150 cm)

2

Distinctive yellow-white to blue panicle flowers up to 6 feet (183 cm) long

3

Spherical fruit transitioning from green to purple/black, less than 0.5 inches (1.3 cm)

4

Subterranean stem, rhizomatous, fibrous, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) thick

5

Unusual partially subterranean trunk, short and fibrous bark, light grey to brown

Dwarf palmettoDwarf palmettoDwarf palmettoDwarf palmettoDwarf palmetto

Detailed Traits of Dwarf palmetto

Leaf Features

Dwarf palmetto leaves are fan-shaped, simple, and deeply divided into lobes. Each leaf is suborbicular and palmate, typically spanning 1 to 5 feet (30 to 150 cm) in both height and width. The petioles are smooth and elongated, supporting the striking foliage that remains attractive even in winter. The leaves are crucial for identification due to their unique lobed and fan-shaped structure, combined with a suborbicular outline and pronounced petioles.

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Flower Features

The flowers of dwarf palmetto are yellow-white to blue, forming compound panicles that can reach up to 6 feet (183 cm) in length. They generally bloom from May through July. The panicles are densely packed with small, delicate flowers, each featuring a symmetrical arrangement of petals. The petals are somewhat tubular and subtly fragrant, making the blooming period aesthetically pleasing. These distinctive flower characteristics aid in identifying dwarf palmetto during its blooming season.

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Stem Features

Dwarf palmetto's stem is primarily subterranean, distinguishing itself by being hidden underground. It is characterized by a robust, rhizomatous structure that often spreads horizontally. The texture is fibrous, with a color that ranges between light brown and dark brown. Measuring approximately 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in thickness, the stem is notably stout. Its unique underground growth forms a dense network, providing structural support and facilitating the plant's stability and nutrient absorption.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of dwarf palmetto is a small, round drupe, less than 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter. It features a fleshy and shiny exterior that transitions in color from green to deep purple or black as it matures. The fruit contains a single seed within its flesh. This maturation process typically occurs from August to November, providing crucial identification markers through its distinctive color change and singular seed structure.

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Key Facts About Dwarf palmetto

Attributes of Dwarf palmetto
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Palm
Plant Height
1 m to 3 m
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Black
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Dwarf palmetto

Family
Palm
Icon allow
Species
Dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor)
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Distribution Map of Dwarf palmetto

Dwarf palmetto is a plant native to the southeastern region of North America. It has also been introduced to areas in Asia, notably within major southeastern countries. Widely cultivated, dwarf palmetto has expanded beyond its natural range as an ornamental plant, thriving in comparable climates globally.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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