Cabbage Palmetto
Latin Name: Sabal palmetto
Species: Plants
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
The cabbage palmetto is an evergreen within the palm family that grows up to 33 feet tall. Its fan-like leaves can reach up to 3 feet in diameter. The fronds are pinnate, meaning blades emerge from a central stem rather than fanning out from a singular point. Young palmettos often have all of their boots (base of old fronds that have fallen) intact but these begin to fall off as the tree ages.
Range & Habitat (map)
Cabbage palmettos occur in the coastal regions from southern North Carolina to Louisiana. They also grow in Cuba and the Bahamas.
Diet
N/A
Life History
Cabbage palms flower in July, producing many stems of cream-colored flowers. The flowers are pollinated by a variety of insects which then produce one-seeded fruit that is eaten by a variety of birds and mammals. These animals then spread the seeds, and saltwater currents can also carry seeds to new islands along the coast. To germinate, seeds must be in a shady spot and under the dirt with a salinity (concentration of salt) below 10 ppt (parts per thousand).
Significance
The cabbage palmetto is South Carolina’s state tree- featured on its flag and in its motto as the “Palmetto State”- due to its historical importance. During the Revolutionary War, Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island near Charleston was constructed with palmetto logs as opposed to pine or hardwood. The fibrous and flexible logs absorbed impacts from cannon fire rather than breaking apart, ultimately protecting the fort from British Troops. The cabbage palmetto fruit is also an important food resource for animals like birds and raccoons.
Threats & How You Can Help
“Hurricane pruning” is a method used to prevent trees from being damaged by hurricane-force winds but it is unnecessary for palmettos as they are already wind-resistant. Hurricane pruning palmettos over-prunes the tree and causes harm. Another threat is lethal bronzing disease- a bacterial infection first discovered in Florida that causes older leaves to turn a bronze color rather than exhibiting a normal deterioration appearance. Many palms are susceptible to this and typically results in death. Infected palms should be removed and neighboring trees should be tested.