Types of Palm Trees in Georgia

Aside from the palmetto family of miniature or dwarf palms, the palm tree is not native to Georgia. This is not to say that these trees do not grow in the state. The University of Georgia has established an experimental palm grove that's testing 35 types of palms for their suitability. Some types of non-native palms are cold-hardy enough to withstand freezing, and grow well in Georgia.

Three species of palmettos, or small palms, are native to Georgia. Some palmetto types are more like leafy shrubs, while others resemble mini palm trees. The dwarf or swamp palmetto, Sabal minor, is an evergreen tree that grows up to 10 feet. It requires sun to light shade and well-drained, moist soil. The cabbage palm, Sabal palmetto, adapts to a wide variety of landscapes, including hot or stormy environments. It usually reaches 50 feet or so, but can grow to 70 feet. A third palmetto species found in Georgia is the saw palmetto, Serenoa repens. This species grows 2 to 9 feet tall and its stem usually grows below ground, giving it a bushy appearance. The fruit are edible and this plant often grows as a dense ground cover.

Windmill palm, Trachycarpus fortunei, is not native to Georgia but does grow there. The Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture recommends it as a deer-resistant plant. This palm reaches 30 feet and can sometimes recover from sub-zero temperatures. The species is native to China and grows as a tree rather than a shrub.

Another palm that does fairly well in Georgia is the European fan palm, Chamaerops humilis. The specimens in the Bamboo Garden are well-established. The European fan palm is especially suited for the Georgia coastal plain. This is the only species of palm native to Europe and is more cold-hardy than other palms. The tree has a curved, short trunk, grows 8 to 15 feet high and can be planted in containers.