Sabal minor (Dwarf Palmetto, Bluestem Palmetto, Scrub Palmetto, Bush Palmetto. )

Botanical Information

FamilyArecaceae
GenusSabal
Speciesminor
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginNative to the Gulf Coast States and Florida.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Native American tribes used juice crushed from the small roots as an eye medicine to relieve irritation. Dried roots were taken for high blood pressure.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7b - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone8
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height0.5 - 2.5 m
Spread1 - 1.5 m

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis shrub-like palm generally reaches a height of only 0.5 to 2.5 m. The stem is usually not visible, being either buried or very short. Sabal minor is valued for its hardiness and tropical appearance.
ID CharacteristicThe bluestem palmetto has a trunk that rarely emerges from the ground and rarely produces side shoots.
LandscapeAccent, border, and it will perform quite well as a specimen in a small garden. It is also impressive when massed as a tall ground cover.
PropagationPropagate by fresh seed which germinates readily. Transplant seedlings the following year in June or July.
CultivationIt must have a full-sun to partial-shade position in the landscape. The plant is adaptable to many soil types as long as they are well-drained: it is drought tolerant. These palms will even grow well on relatively shallow soils.
PestsNo pests or diseases of major concern.
Notable SpecimensBok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
HabitatIt grows primarily in the southeastern United States of America, and its natural habitat extends west to Texas and Oklahoma.
Bark/Stem DescriptionGrows from a single trunk, which most often grows underground.
Leaf DescriptionThe dark green, costapalmate leaves vary in size depending on the age of the plant but may reach a length of 1.5 m. The fan-shaped leaves of the bluestem palmetto are palmately lobed and segmented with the segments split to 2/3 their length. The leaves of this palm are green to bluish-green in colour, and the petioles are unarmed.
Flower DescriptionThe white flower petals are 2 - 3 mm long. The inflorescences of this palm exceed the length of the leaves and bear small, white flowers that are strongly fragrant.
Fruit DescriptionA small fruit 6 - 8 mm in diameter, glossy black in colour , the fruit ripens in the autumn.

Photographs