Ask anyone to name the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Florida beaches, and the odds are they will be quick to answer “palm trees.” For most people, these beauties are almost synonymous with tropical climates. With their shiny green leaves swaying in the wind, these majestic trees are practically Florida icons. But are palm trees native to Florida? Let’s take a look.

What Are Palm Trees?

True palms are the only members of the Arecaceae family of plants. They typically live in tropical climates but can be found in just about any kind of habitat from desert to rainforest. Not every palm is a tree, and not everything that we call a palm is truly in the palm family. Palms can grow as trees, shrubs, or woody vines called lianas.

Palms have a long history, emerging in the fossil record over 80 million years ago. They have been used in religious ceremonies around the world for thousands of years. And many societies rely on them for their fruit, such as coconuts, dates, and acai fruit.

A Huge Variety

There are over 2600 species of palms in the world, but as it turns out, only twelve of them are actually native to Florida. That’s a pretty small percentage for such an iconic Florida symbol. In fact, the stately, easily recognized coconut palm is one of the species that is NOT a Florida native. The less well-known needle, royal, and thatch palms, however, are a few of the native species, along with Florida’s state tree, the cabbage palm. Also called the sabal palm, the cabbage palm produces an edible heart of palm that is often used in salads.

Palms In Trouble

Unfortunately, many of the native palm species in The Sunshine State now find themselves endangered. Due to development and construction, their numbers have dropped drastically, and they have protected status by the state and federal governments.

Native Or Not, Palms Are Beautiful

Regardless of their origin, a large number of palm species thrive in Florida, and they are a fantastic addition to any property. If you would like to include these lovely trees and shrubs in your landscaping, Tampa Tree’s arborists are here to help with their care and maintenance.