Palms For California

Pronunciation: suh-BALL/SAY-bull ee-TONE-ee-uh

Common Name: Scrub Palmetto

Sabal etonia is one of two dwarf Sabal species native to Florida (the other is Sabal minor, which is a broader range). This palm rarely shows any trunk and is basically a trunkless shrub. It has moderately costapalmate leaves and flowers that rarely extend beyond the leaves, which are the two characteristics which help differentiate this species from the far more commonly grown Sabal minor. Sabal minor also eventually develops a pretty beefy though short trunk.

Synonym: Sabal miamiensis

Appearance and Biology Habit: single, stemless with a crown of 8-12 costapalmate leaves Height: 3'-5' tall overall (no trunk) Trunk: none Crownshaft: none Spread: 6'-7' Leaf Description: mildly to moderately costapalmate; dull to deep green; about 4' long; leaf blades split about 1/2 their length Petiole/Leaf bases: 2' long; unarmed; moderate sharp blades; channeled Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: shorter than leaves; from within leaves; moderate branched; flowers white-cream Fruit:spherical; 1/2" in diameter; black when ripe

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 22F Drought Tolerance: good Dry Heat Tolerance: very good Cool Tolerance: good Wind Tolerance: very good Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: partial to full sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare

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  young palm in San Fernando Valley, Southern California

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  older Riverside palm, California

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  Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Miami, Florida

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  young palm identified as synonym, Sabal miamiensis

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  Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida

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  flowers

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  fruits