Palms That Are Native to Southern Texas

Sabal Mexicana

• The Sabal mexicana, sometimes called the Texas palm, thrives in southern Texas due to its ability to withstand drought and high heat well. These palms grow tall trunks, and can sometimes grow up to 15 feet. The palms of the tree are located in a bunch at the top of its gray trunk, and each tree usually has between 10 and 12 palm fans. The Sabal mexicana grows white flowers that bear oval-shaped fruit, which turns black when ripe.

Sabal Minor

• The Sabal minor is native to the east, center and southern parts of Texas. This palm is a stout tree with a trunk that grows mainly under ground. Its palm fans are quite long, and can sometimes grow to 5 feet long. This palm grows black fruit that is heavy enough to cause the stalks of the palms to droop downward when the fruit is ripe. The Sabal minor is sometimes called the dwarf or bush palmetto, due to its short stature.

Texas Palmetto

• Texas palmettos are originally from the southernmost parts of Texas. However, these palms can stand the cold well enough to be planted throughout the whole state. The Texas palmetto could originally be found in large numbers, but the plant is dwindling now due to clearings that have taken place in southern Texas. The Texas palmetto is a slow grower, but it eventually grows into a large palm with a thick, stout trunk.