Sabal Palmetto, AKA the Cabbage Palm!

<p>Today, we’re diving into what makes the sabal palmetto special—from its biology and wildlife value to its cultural history—and how Floridians can help protect and support this iconic native plant.  </p><p><strong>Learn More:</strong></p><ul><li>What is a tree? <a href="https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/trees-cities-towns/tree-selection/what-is-a-tree" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/trees-cities-towns/tree-selection/what-is-a-tree </a></li><li><em>Sabal palmetto: </em>Sabal or Cabbage Palm <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST575">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST575</a> </li><li>Sorting out the Florida Sabal Palms <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR357">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR357</a> </li></ul><p><strong>How You Can Help: </strong></p><ul><li>If you’re adding palms to your landscaping, consider adding a native cabbage palm instead of a nonnative palm. </li><li><strong>Protect what’s growing – </strong>Remember, sabal palm trunks do not self-heal like “normal” trees would – take care to avoid damaging them! Defend them against weedwhackers and other trauma. </li><li><strong>Practice responsible pruning - </strong>Don’t remove green fronds unnecessarily; fronds provide food and energy for the palm. Unless the frond is dry and brown,the tree still needs it. If you MUST prune, prune responsibly – only fronds that hang down and have already started to die off. (<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/2022/11/02/proper-palm-pruning/">Learn more</a>)</li><li> <strong>Support conservation, Observe, andAppreciate our State Tree - </strong>Take a moment to notice sabal palms in your community—and thebirds and wildlife they support.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Sources:</strong></p><ul><li>Cabbage palm – <em>Sabal palmetto</em> <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/2386357">⁠</a> <a href="https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/tree-tour/cabbage-palm/">https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/tree-tour/cabbage-palm/</a> </li><li>Sabal Palm <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international/article/effects-of-hurricanes-on-birds-with-special-reference-to-caribbean-islands/BB2E910A038B98090BB331310C163DC7"><strong>⁠</strong></a><strong> </strong><a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/000/sabal-palm.htm">https://www.nps.gov/places/000/sabal-palm.htm</a> </li><li><em>Sabal palmetto: </em>Investigating the ecological importanceof Florida’s state tree<em> </em><a href="https://bioone.org/journals/waterbirds/volume-36/issue-1/063.036.0113/Short-Term-Demographic-Responses-of-a-Coastal-Waterbird-Community-After/10.1675/063.036.0113.short">⁠</a><a href="https://www.proquest.com/openview/22f53c0e4a34046d4bb033c747102003/1?cbl=18750&pq-origsite=gscholar" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://www.proquest.com/openview/22f53c0e4a34046d4bb033c747102003/1?cbl=18750&amp;pq-origsite=gscholar</a></li><li><a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST575">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST575</a></li><li><a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR357">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR357</a></li></ul><p><br></p>