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Sabal/Sable Palms - Specifications and Characteristics
Brought to you by Cole Farms, Inc.





Scientific Data - The Sabal palmetto, also known as Cabbage Palm, Palmetto, Palmetto Palm, Cabbage Palmetto and Sabal Palm, is one of 15 species of palmetto palm (Arecaceae, genus Sabal).

Maximum Height - Florida Sabal Palm Trees can reach heights exceeding 60 feet tall.

Trunk Diameter - The trunks are normally a light grey and can attain a diameter of about 2 feet. You will see the trees booted and non booted. As they grow older the trunk is smooth and the booted area moves up the tree. Pruning can also smooth out the trunk if desired.

Crown Characteristics - The trees often have a canopy width of up to 25 feet. When grown in bright sunlight, the foliage becomes a light green but when in shade the foliage will turn a darker green. Leaf stems on Sabal Palms are smooth and can be up to 15 feet long. Most mature Sabal Palm Trees will have 15 to 25 leaves crowning the top of the tree.

Common uses - They are commonly planted as single trees or in groups to form a clump of palms. They are extremely salt water tolerant and are used along beaches quite often. They are desirable in landscaping applications because of their straight and stout trunk and their nice sized crown.

Facts - They are one of the most recognizable palm trees especially in the southern United States. The Sabal Palm became Floridas state tree in 1953 and replaced the cocoa palm on the state seal in 1970.

Cold Hardiness - Sabal Palm Trees are very cold hardy and can withstand temperatures of 7 degrees fahrenheit for short periods of time with minimal damage to the tree.

Soil Requirements - Sabal Palms will grow in most soil types and are drought resistant once established.

Growth Rate - Slow. Less than 1 foot per year. Slower as the tree reaches maturity. Abuse and lack of water will slow growth.

Planting Zone - USDA Zones 8-10. This is one of the more hardy frost tolerant palms and can survive many degrees below freezing.

Transplanting - Sabal palms can be transplanted provided they have at least 6 feet of trunk.

The articles below list the "SPECIFICATIONS" for various popular palm trees. The information includes maximum height, diameter, growth rate, cold hardiness, crown diameter, growth zone and cost. They are listed alphabetically below :

The Phoenix Reclinata (Senegal Date Palm) - General information and specs on the Phoenix Reclinata.

The Sabal Palm Tree (Cabbage Palm) - General information and specs on the Sabal Palm.

The Silver Queen Palm Tree - General information and specs on the Silver Queen Palm.


We have written a series of articles on the "CARE & MAINTENANCE" of the different types of palm trees. The first article below is a general care guide for all palms and the subsequent articles are species specific. They are listed alphabetically :

General Care for all Palm Trees - Basic upkeep guide for all Palm Trees.

Caring for your "Phoenix Reclinata" Palm Trees - General care tips on keeping your Phoenix Reclinata (Senagal Date Palm) healthy.

Caring for your Sabal / Sable Palm Trees - General care tips on keeping your Sabal/Sable Palm Tree healthy.

Caring for your Silver Queen Palm Trees - General care tips on keeping your Silver Queen Palm Tree healthy.