Scrub Palmetto

Sabal etonia

Physical Characteristics

Sabal etonia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - Florida.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; East Wall. By. South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

The fruit is a small dry berry with a thin sweet flesh[229]. The fruit is up to 13mm long and 15mm wide, with a seed up to 6.7mm long and 10mm wide[270]. Although we have seen no records of edibility for this species, the following uses are for the related S. palmetto. They quite probably also apply here[K]. Fruit - raw or cooked[2]. Sweet and pleasant[2]. A nourishing food, though it is said to be an acquired taste[2]. The fruit is up to 12mm long and 3mm wide[200]. Young leaves - raw or cooked. An excellent food[2]. Sap - sweet[2].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known