Florida attracts tourists from around the world. Warm weather, vibrant culture, and plentiful entertainment make Florida a beautiful location to visit and live.
But what about Florida palm trees? Native palm trees in Florida account for only a fraction of palm trees seen in the Sunshine State. A professional arborist in Fort Myers, Florida describes the numerous palm trees native to Florida.
The 12 Palm Trees Native to Florida
1. Thatch Palm
Thatch Palms originate from Florida and the Caribbean. Characterized by heights of under 20 feet and drooping fronds, people originally used the Thatch Palm to thatch roofs. The strong fronds of the Thatch Palm provide insulation and protection from moisture.
2. Key Thatch Palm
The Key Thatch Palm, or the Peaberry Palm, is native to southern Florida and southern California. This tree grows 15-20 feet high and resists drought and salt. Key Thatch Palm trees grow best in full sun and sandy soil conditions.
3. Needle Palm
The Needle Palm grows no more than eight feet above the ground and develops pointy black needles around its trunk. Often mistaken for a shrub, the Needle Palm flourishes in South Florida and southern Alabama.
4. Saw Palmetto
The Saw Palmetto is one of the shortest-growing palm tree species, reaching heights of only ten feet. The sharp fronds and medicinal fruits cultivated from Saw Palmetto trees set them apart from other native trees.
5. Miami Palmetto
The Miami Palmetto originates exclusively from Dade County, Florida. This tree remains extinct and on the endangered species list published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
6. Florida Silver Palm
Florida Silver Palm trees grow beautiful green-blue palmate leaves that reach widths of over two feet. The short height, slender trunk, and fan-shaped leaves make the Florida Silver Palm an unusual-looking palm tree.
7. Scrub Palmetto
The Scrub Palmetto Palm develops underground trunks that rarely extend above the ground. The stems of the Scrub Palmetto form clusters of bright green, waxy leaves that appear more like a shrub than a palm tree.
8. Dwarf Palmetto
The Dwarf Palmetto thrives in the south-central and southwestern United States. Dwarf Palmettos grow to short heights of six feet and form four-foot-wide fan-shaped leaves that outgrow the length of their leaf stocks.
9. Cabbage Palm
The Cabbage Palm, also referred to as the Sabal Palm, is one of the most common palm trees native to Florida. Growing to impressive heights of over 40 feet, the Cabbage Palm develops full canopies and long fan-shaped leaf blades.
10. Paurotis Palm
The Paurotis Palm grows in swamp lands and flooded forest areas in southern Florida. Like the Cabbage Palm, these trees grow to large heights of 40 feet, with widths of 25 feet.
11. Royal Palm
The Royal Palm remains the crown jewel of palm trees native to Florida. This tree reaches massive heights of 80 feet and grows beautiful pinnate-leaved palms extending 25 feet in width.
12. Buccaneer Palm
The Buccaneer Palm tree grows to modest heights of 25 feet and is highly resistant to harsh weather conditions. Native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico, the Buccaneer Palm provides the perfect accent to Florida homes, gardens, and commercial establishments.
Trust Island Tree Service for All Your Palm Tree Needs
Island Tree Service proudly serves the Fort Myers, FL community. Our team of experts has the experience, equipment, and training to tackle any tree project.
To learn more about proper tree placement and palm trees native to Florida, contact Island Tree Service. Call our friendly team today at (239) 463-5121 to get your free estimate!