(Sabal minor)
The Palm Family (Arecaceae)
Common, fan-shaped palm, a small shrub, with star shaped, simple, evergreen leaves arranged alternately on long, thornless leaf stalks with the leaves arising from an underground stem. Trunk usually present only when grown in standing water.
Habitat:
Found primarily in bottomland hardwood forest; a visible indicator of that habitat.
Interesting Facts:
Leaves used to make thatched roofs, fans and baskets. The Houma tribe used root for medicines and baked it whole as a bread substitute.
Fruit:
Dark, fleshy fruit with a single seed about .5” in size.
Flower:
Flower stalk to 8’ with numerous, three part, small, fragrant, white flowers.
Wildlife value:
Fruit is eaten by small mammals such as raccoons and by many birds. The flowers are a source of nectar.
Fruit
Flowers
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 12.00-72.00 inches
Tree height: 2.00-8.00 feet
Where to find Dwarf Palmetto on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
WAB - Walker Branch Trail 11.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.