Sabal minor (Jacq.) Pers.

Dwarf Palmetto; Swamp Palmetto; Bush Palmetto

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Dwarf Palmetto is a shrub-like evergreen perennial in the Palm family (Arecaceae). It is native to the southern two-thirds of Alabama. Dwarf Palmetto occurs along streams and rivers, in flatwoods, and in low pastures. It is shrub-like in appearance with leaves arising from a largely subterranean trunk (rarely to 5 feet in height above ground). The trunk is usually covered by dead leaf bases. The leaves are petiolate, weakly costapalmate (fan-shaped with a midrib (costa) extending into the blade), and plicate (folded like a paper fan). The leaves are up to 3 feet long and are evergreen. Fragrant flowers are produced in axillary panicles with 2-3 orders of branching. Individual flowers have a 3 lobed, cup-shaped calyx and 3 greenish yellow petals. The fruit is a black, spherical drupe. Dwarf Palmetto fruit are consumed by Black Bears, Racoons, Gray Squirrels, and many species of birds. Dwarf Palmetto is occasionally planted as an ornamental, and is more frost and cold hardy than most palms. Several cultivars are available. It is tolerant of flooding, and heavy clay soils. Dwarf Palmetto leaves are collected in certain areas to be woven into mats, fans, or screens.—A. Diamond

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Native FACW (NWPL)

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