Light. Full sun to light shade. In the wild it usually grows in the shade of taller trees.
Water. Water regularly until established. It handles short dry spells but grows best in moist soil, and it tolerates wet spots and occasional flooding.
Soil and feeding. It does best in rich, organic soil. It seldom has nutrient problems; if leaves yellow, check soil pH before using Palm Special.
Size. Grows very slowly to about 3–5 ft. Old clumps can reach 9 ft tall and 8 ft wide.
Problems to watch. Few pests or diseases. Check it now and then for pests.
Good to know. A palm native to Florida and the Southeast. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers, and many animals eat the fruit. It takes salty wind but not direct salt spray.
Sources: Natives for Your Neighborhood (Institute for Regional Conservation): Sabal minor · Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Sabal minor · UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County: Foolproof Palm Care: Dwarf Palmetto
