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TEXAS

Dwarf

Palmetto IrrigationIrrigation is required on newly established plantings, but established, mature plants require no additional water. Planted areas can be irrigated with drip emitters located at each plant to conserve water, flood irrigation, or sprinklers are also appropriate methods. Irrigation during extreme drought periods is recommended to help maintain the stand.

Disease and PestsThere are no significant diseases or pest that effect this species.

Propagation &

Management

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service101 S. Main Street

Temple, Texas 76501254-742-9800

East Texas Plant Materials Center6598 FM 2782

Nacogdoches, Texas 75964936-564-4873

936-552-7924 (Fax)

Species InformationDwarf Palmetto, Sabal minor, is a small shrub like palm that reach approximately 6 feet in height. The trunk portion of this palm is below ground with only the leaves extending above the soil surface. The leaves are blade like and arranged in a fan like pattern. The flowers are white and produce glossy black fruit held in clusters. Many Native American groups use this palm for medicinal purposes, food, and fiber.

SoilsDwarf Palmetto typically grows in low, wet areas with heavy tight soil, but will tolerate a wide range of soil textures and fertility. It tolerates flooding but it may also be found above the floodplain. It favors slightly acidic soils and will not tolerate calcium carbonate-based, alkaline soils

For soil testing requests, please contact Pittman Labs at 936.645.3276 or Steven F. Austin State University Soils Lab at 936.468.4500.

PropagationDwarf Palmetto blooms from May through June and sets fruit shortly thereafter. Fruit can be harvested, and seed separated from the fruit pulp. Seed requires no treatment to germinate, but cold stratification has shown to improve germination. Fresh seed should be sown in a moist, muddy substrate and kept moist until germination occurs. Transplant young seedlings into a tall container to allow deep root growth, and then transplant to the field when the containers become root bound. Keep young plants in the field moist until they are well established. Once established they are very hardy and can tolerate dry periods.

Figure 1. Apical meristematic tissue is located well below ground. Dwarf Palmetto has to be cut below this tissue point (shown by the arrow) in order to survive.

Digging wild plants for transplanting can be problematic. Plant growth from meristematic tissue begins well below ground. If the plant is cut above this area while digging, it will not survive transplanting (Figure 1). Shoots should be followed down to where they converge on the apex of the meristem and then cut below this union. Transplant to desired location and keep moist as a new root system develops.

Fertilization

Dwarf Palmetto favors does not require much fertility to thrive. Fertilize annually to biannually with a balanced fertilizer at 50 to 100 pounds per acre. Soil test should be performed to determine preexisting fertility levels and or deficiencies. Containerized material will benefit from a slow release fertilizer like Osmocote or any commercial palm fertilizer. Dwarf Palmetto favor soils rich in magnesium and manganese; therefore, make certain that the fertilizers contain these mincronutrients.

Plan of Action

► Summer 2021, locate wild stand of plants.

► Later Summer- Early Fall 2021, collect fruit and separate seed.

► Early Spring 2022, plant seed in the high tunnel house.

► Summer 2022, move seedlings to field site.

Sabal Minor

Dwarf PalmettoPropagation & Management