Felder Rushing
Family
Arecaceae
Botanical Name
SABAL minor
Plant Common Name
Bush Palmetto, Dwarf Palmetto, Little Blue Stem, Swamp Palmetto
General Description
This compact palm is considered a "semi-dwarf" because it often reaches no more than head height. It is native to the southern United States, from the Carolinas to Florida and across to Texas and is generally found swampy, shady locations. It is the northernmost naturally occurring palm in North America and has excellent cold hardiness that is surpassed only by the needle palm, Rhapidophyllum hystrix. Habit varies; more westerly populations of this palmetto tend to grow an upright trunk, whereas those in the east remain shrubby and trunkless.
The big, fan-like fronds of dwarf palmetto are rounded and dull dark green. In summer, a stiff, upright, branched floral stem will rise above the fronds. These become dotted with tiny ivory flowers. Insects pollinate the blooms and small, dark fruits follow. The fruit stems are held well above the foliage clump.
Grow dwarf palmetto in partial sun to shade and slightly acid to alkaline soil that is moist or even wet. Fertile sand or loam is best, but clay soils are tolerated. Despite its preference for moist soil this palmetto will tolerate some drought. Once established it will not transplant well due to the deep taproot that anchors it.
This shrubby palmetto lends itself perfectly to a large foundations or mixed borders. It is particularly pretty planted beneath trees in moist ravines or on the edge of a water body. It looks best grown in groups among other subtropical ornamentals. The exceptional selection, 'Louisiana', has a stout trunk and showier leaves that are grayish blue-green.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 12
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Palm or Cycad
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
8'-18' / 2.4m - 5.5m
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Width
8'-18' / 2.4m - 5.5m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer
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Native To
United States, Southeastern United States, South-Central United States
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Poorly Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Wet Site, Salt
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water, Ample Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Ivory
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Fruit Color
Chocolate, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Olive, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bog Garden, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes