Sabal Palm
(Cabbage Palm)
Sabal palmetto
Plant Family: Palmae
Leaves: Palmate, the leafstalk extends well into the leaf, producing an obvious V-shape, green above, lighter green below, loose fibers are present.
Bark: Brown-gray, the trunk is sometimes prostrate on the ground, but is usually upright; in young specimens the trunk may be criss-crossed with old leafstalks, older trees typically shed the leafstalks.
Flowers: White, fragrant, in loose drooping clusters in the spring.
Fruits: Rounded, green ripening to black, to 1 cm, in clusters; summer to fall.
Habitat: Common throughout Florida along canals, in sandy soils, and in other habitats.
Growth Form: Shrub to medium-sized tree.
Key Features: The V-shaped leaf is unique and is the key feature regardless of growth form; the loose leaf fibers are also diagnostic.
Comments: Sabal Palm is the state tree of Florida, found throughout the Sunshine state.
