Dwarf palmetto is small native species
The dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor) is a small palm species native to the southeastern and south central United States, as well as northeast Mexico. It is one of Florida’s 12 native palm species. Unlike many palms, the dwarf palmetto typically has no visible trunk, with the stem remaining underground. It has a high tolerance for periods of flooding and can also exist in both full sun and partly shaded areas. It is related to Florida’s state tree, the cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), but is much smaller — growing only 5-8 feet high at the maximum. Other attributes include: it can tolerate very moist soil, even standing water, and is often found in submerged swamps; its berries provide a food source to native wildlife including gray squirrels, red-bellied woodpeckers, raccoons and northern mockingbirds; it is drought tolerant once established; and it is more cold-tolerant than other palms in the Sabal genus.
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