Family: Arecaceae

Form: Vertical unbranching single trunk, evergreen palm, reaching 50-70’, with a globular canopy

Leaves: Semi waxy dull to medium green leaves, length of leaves are approximately 5-6’, with a complete blade width of 3-4’, spatulate to multiple linear, costa palmate and folded, with spineless petioles

Stem/Bark: Grey/brown with coarse ridges; trunk is fibrous, often with persistent leaf bases

Flower: Multiple white flowers, bisexual

Fruit: Multiple drupes, each containing one seed

Comments: One of several native palms in Florida, S. palmetto can be distinguished by having costa-palmate leaf blades, unarmed petioles, and a compact crown with dense foliage