Palm Trees in South Carolina and Florida

Although palm trees are often thought of as strictly tropical trees, they can be found as far north as South Carolina. The cold hardiness of palm trees varies according to the variety, and none is more tolerant of a variety of conditions than the cabbage palm.

Sabal Palm

Also known as the cabbage palm, the Sabal palmetto grows profusely as far north as the southern areas of North Carolina and as far south as the Florida Keys. Cabbage palms can also be found as far west as Louisiana.

State Tree

Because of its abundance and adaptability, the official tree of both Florida and South Carolina is the cabbage palm or Sabal palmetto. These trees can grow 55 to 70 feet tall, and their leaves can reach 12 feet long.

Temperature Tolerance

The cabbage palm is tolerant of the searing heat of southern Florida, which can easily reach 97 degrees Fahrenheit, and is cold hardy to 27 F.

Soil

The Sabal palmetto is very adaptable and can grow well in a variety of soils, from sandy to clay, and is also tolerant of salt.

References

• University of Wisconsin: Sabal palmetto
• University of Illinois Extension: Dr. Arbor Talks Trees
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Florida Forest Stewardship
• Clemson University: Cabbage Palmetto