Florida Sabal

The Florida sabal, also known as the sabal palm (Sabal palmetto), is a large, slow-growing palm with a stout trunk and broad, fan-shaped blue-green to dark green leaves. It has a rugged, tropical appearance and can eventually reach 40–60 feet tall. The palm is very drought tolerant once established and is commonly found in coastal and southern landscapes.

In north Texas, cold tolerance is the main concern. The Florida sabal is generally hardy to about 15–20°F, which makes it less cold-hardy than the windmill palm. In mild winters it can survive, but severe north Texas freezes can cause significant damage or kill the palm, especially when young. Planting in a warm, sheltered location (south-facing walls, wind protection) and providing winter protection during hard freezes improves its chances, but it is best suited to central and south Texas rather than north Texas.