Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor)

Observed by my sister in Centre, Alabama on November 14, 2021. By a creek in a mixed forested area (she said there were several along the creek). She gave me permission to post this here!

I was surprised for her to send me this photo as this species is not typically this far North!

comments (8)

Christine Young

Lion

Nice! The map on iNat shows the species up into AL, GA, NC, and even VA! Maybe the range is increasing. Posted 3 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  This observation is the farthest north in Alabama (on iNaturalist) from what I saw. I think the range must be increasing due to climate change? Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Could be. There were a few observations in her area of AL, plus some in northern GA/TN border, in addition to those in NC and southern VA. I wonder what the range is historically? Posted 3 years ago
  2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
      
      Lion
      
      From my experience, I've only seen them in southern AL/GA and Florida. They have always been more "tropical".
      
      This is the USDA range map:
      http://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Sabal%20minor.png
      
      The bright green is where it was present in 2014. The dark green just indicates that it is native to that state (not that it is present in those counties). Looks like Cherokee County is in that range. I was just unaware! :O
      
      Side note:
      My sister has one of the only forested/untouched plots of land in her town. She has 15 acres I think. The rest of her town is really developed. Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago
    2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
        
        Lion
        
        This was a 2016 native range map I found:
        https://www.palmtalk.org/forum/uploads/monthly_2016_07/image.thumb.png.ce4179fe9e6df24a3140842441c1c19e.png
        
        Edit: I'm now reading that they are often found in the moist soils around Weiss Lake, which is near my sister's house. Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago
      2. Flown Kimmerling
        
        Lion
        
        I'm wondering if people may have planted them ornamentally this far north? Posted 3 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        That seems pretty consistent with the iNat spottings, aside from some outliers. Posted 3 years ago
        
        Flown Kimmerling
        
        Lion
        
        I think it threw me off because
        1) I grew up exploring the edges of Weiss Lake with my stepbrother. We would take a beaten up motorboat around the edges of the lake and explore all the cool coves, and stay away from home all day (I won't get into the details of why). We packed peanut butter and pickle sandwiches. :D
        2) I never saw this plant in the years I spent in the woods around Weiss Lake. I think its range must have expanded since I was a kid :) That or my memory is REALLY BAD. Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago

The Dwarf Palmetto

''Sabal minor'', commonly known as the dwarf palmetto, is a small species of palm. It is native to the deep southeastern and south-central United States and northeastern Mexico. It is naturally found in a diversity of habitats, including maritime forests, swamps, floodplains, and occasionally on drier sites. It is often found growing in calcareous marl soil. ''Sabal minor'' is one of the most frost and cold tolerant among North American palms.

Info 1 0

Similar species: Palms

Species identified by Flown Kimmerling

By Flown Kimmerling

Uploaded Nov 15, 2021. Captured in 100 W Main St, Centre, AL 35960, USA.

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Native Flora of the Southern Appalachians (669)

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