The Cabbage Palm

"To see the first noble Palmetto growing wild on the bank of a river is an event in one's life, but to behold groups and forests of them is like a miracle. They form pictures of enchanting scenery in the soul of the lover of nature which are indelibly impressed as long as life lasts."

This poetic description of the Cabbage Palmetto can be found in "My Garden in Florida Vol. 2" which is a collection of Dr. Henry Nehrling's manuscripts. Dr. Nehrling captures some of the romance and beauty of the Florida State Tree not found in botanical descriptions. The Cabbage Palmetto or Sabal palmetto makes an excellent landscape tree. It prefers a rich moist soil yet will survive on sandy, hilly, hammock soils. They will survive in diverse soil types, withstand salty spray and brackish water, are hardy as far north as southern North Carolina, and are beautiful trees. Because of these characteristics Sabal Palmettos make excellent street trees, framing trees for buildings, and specimen trees throughout Florida.

Although the older trees have a smooth, slender trunk, the bases of dead leaf stalks surround the young tree trunks. These bases called boot-jacks often support fern and can be used to support bromeliads, orchids, cacti, and climbing vines which add charm and character to the young trees. Trees used for this purpose should be grown from seed because Cabbage Palmettos do not transplant easily until the tree is over 10 feet tall and the boot-jacks have begun to fall. The Sabal palmetto is commonly called Cabbage Palmetto because the terminal bud, or heart, is edible, however its removal kills the tree. Humans are not the only animals that enjoy the bud; bears also devour this delicacy as well as the fruits. Honey made from the tiny green flowers is reported to be excellent. The Indians not only ate the bud but also built dwellings from the trunk and used the leaves for thatched roofs. The trunks are said to have been excellent for strongholds because cannon balls bounced off the spongy surface and dangerous splinters were not produced. In the early l900's scrub brushes were made out of the fibers surrounding the bud. One concern alone processed 7,500 buds a week. This industry destroyed many of the large Cabbage Palmetto stands. Although destruction is not as widespread now, it is interesting to note that Sabal palmetto the state tree, is not on the Florida's endangered or threatened plants list. The Florida State Tree is a beautiful tree with an interesting history. As Dr. Nehrling stated; "I never tire of my groups of fine old Cabbage Palmettos, their trunks, covered with epiphytal growth, afford an additional charm. Such exquisite scenes will remain to cheer the minds of men when now notorious events and personalities have passed into oblivion."