Sabal Palmetto, AKA the Cabbage Palm!
From Naturally Florida by Shannon Carnevale and Lara Milligan
January 19, 2026 · 24 min · Season 6 · Episode 1
About this episode
This episode explores the significance of the sabal palmetto, its ecological role, and how Floridians can support its conservation.
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. Learn More: What is a tree? https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/trees-cities-towns/tree-selection/what-is-a-tree Sabal palmetto: Sabal or Cabbage Palm https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST575 Sorting out the Florida Sabal Palms https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR357 How You Can Help: If you’re adding palms to your landscaping, consider adding a native cabbage palm instead of a nonnative palm. Protect what’s growing – 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. Practice responsible pruning - 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. ( Learn more ) Support conservation, Observe, andAppreciate our State Tree - Take a moment to notice sabal palms in your community—and…
People in this episode
Hosts: Shannon Carnevale, Lara Milligan
Topics covered
- sabal palmetto
- cabbage palm
- native plants
- conservation
- Florida ecology
Keywords
- sabal palmetto
- cabbage palm
- Florida
- native plants
- conservation
- wildlife
- pruning
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Naturally Florida
Books & works: Sabal palmetto, Cabbage Palm
Places: Florida
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