Cabbage Palmetto, Blue Palmetto, Common Palmetto

Sabal palmetto

Physical Characteristics

Sabal palmetto is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from October to December. 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 - North Carolina to Florida.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Sap Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[2]. Sweet and pleasant[2]. A small dry berry up to 12mm in diameter, with a thin sweet flesh[229]. A nourishing food, though it is said to be an acquired taste[2]. Young leaves - raw or cooked[171]. An excellent food[2]. The large succulent leaf buds are cooked and eaten as a vegetable[82]. Sap - sweet[2].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Febrifuge The berries or seeds have been used in the treatment of grass sickness, low fever, headaches and weight loss[257].

Known Hazards

None known