Blue Stem Palm

Blue Stem Fan Palm Sabal minor

Blue stem is a small fan palm with a trunk that remains below ground. Depending on age and growing conditions, the leaves can be anywhere from 1-5 ft in length and width. The smooth petiole (leaf stem) is a little longer than the leaf. The inflorescence (cluster of flowers) is erect, extending well above the leaves. The fruits are black, about 1/2 inch in diameter and their weight causes the flowering stalk to arch downward, sometimes to the ground. Also called dwarf or bush palmetto, the leaves of blue-stem differ from those of the similar-looking saw palmetto Serenoa repens in having a short midrib, an extension of the petiole and a smooth stem while the saw palmetto’s is armed with small sharp spines that form the sawlike edges that give the plant its name.

Hardiness: Hardy in zones 8-10. Some varieties are hardy to Zone 7. Blue-stem palm is sometimes killed above ground by freezing weather, but re-sprouts the following spring.

Use blue stem palm as an underplanting or in front of a grove of tall palms. Blue stem is one of the hardiest palms in the world, and for many areas it is one of few palms that can be grown outdoors. Use it in mixed borders or hedges. Blue-stem palm is especially well suited for massing around the base of a large live oak.

Light: Prefers partial sun and can tolerate light shade

Moisture: Prefers moist soils but can tolerate drought


Source link