SABAL RIVERSIDE MEDIUM SIZED GREEN TO SLIGHT BLUE-GREEN FAN PALM

VERY COLD HARDY – TOLERATES SUN MOST AREAS

It is true that there are no native Sabal species in the community of Riverside, CA. But, this name was coined from an existing large single Sabal tree that grew many decades ago in a private residence in Riverside. It is such a popular species and its progeny have made many seeds over the years, that many individuals grow it and retain the name, giving credit to the seed bearing mother plant. By the way, the mother plant no longer exists in its original estate. No one knows for sure where it originally came from. The estate owner back then, by report, traveled the world and had a fascination for palms. Speculation is that he collected seeds from a large species of Sabal in the Caribbean, but this was never documented. In any case, this blue-green, thick trunked, large leafed and super cold hardy species is sought after by many.

Shown here is one of our 15 gallon sized plants that are huge for their container. They are showing their costopalmate leaves, blue-green in color, with long petioles and vigorous growth. Mature trunk diameter is 18 to 24 inches, eventual height 20 to 30 feet. Seeds are black and the trunk eventually (after loss of upper retained leaf bases) becomes relatively smooth. This species wants full sun, can tolerate temperatures into the mid teens F. and is being grown in colder areas like northern California, the Carolinas and central Texas. It is a great palm for colder desert areas. We try to always have this species available in a variety of sizes. Be aware that many palm references won’t even deal with this “species” because it’s natural origin is not known.

We’re putting very much over-sized 15g plants on Special. They need to go into the ground or be repotted.