Dwarf Palmetto

Written by ABNC Volunteer David Ozro Woods. David has a bachelor's degree in Natural Resources: Conservation Biology with minors in Marine Science and Plant Science

The dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor) is a fan palm and is one of the most cold and frost tolerant of North American palms. It is native to the southeastern United States and its range extends into northeastern Mexico. It can be found from Texas to Florida and up to North Carolina. It grows in a variety of habitats from maritime forests to swamps and prefers wetter soil.

This palmetto grows between 2 and 10 feet tall. It has a showy blue and white flower that blooms in the spring and summer time from May to July.

A small dwarf palmetto growing on the forest floor at ABNC (Photo credit: David Ozro Woods)

A large dwarf palmetto growing on the edge of the coastal prairie at ABNC (Photo credit: David Ozro Woods)

The dwarf palmetto has some edible uses! But it is not recommended and said to be an acquired taste. Fresh root slices have been baked as a bread replacement and the fruits are technically edible as well. Very young leaf buds are also edible, but become fibrous very quickly as they develop. Other uses for the plant are for thatching, fiber, and wharf piles.