March 13, 2023 by Hirah Ehsan
Palm trees are renowned for their beauty. Furthermore, you have the option to choose from over 2,600 palm species, whatever the climate. With Texas, it’s different. The climate in Texas is tricky. That’s why people often ask are there palm trees in Texas?
Yes, there are palm trees in Texas. The state of Texas is home to several types of palm trees. It depends on your location within the state which palm tree would be best for you. Various zones within Texas are suitable for different kinds of palm trees.
The type of palm tree that gardeners choose should be suitable for the type of environment in which they are located. This article will discuss all zones of Texas and will identify 7 Palm trees that can be found there.
Different Planting Zones in Texas
Texas has planting zones ranging from 6 to 9. Two types of palm trees thrive in planting zone 6: the Needle Palm and the Scrub Palmetto. They are capable of surviving temperature drops. Dwarf palmetto can be grown in planting zone 7.
This plant is native to the state and is capable of surviving droughts. The palm tree options available to growers in planting zone 8 are greater. Their choices include Mexican Palmettos, Jelly Palms, and Mediterranean/California/Windmill Fan Palms.
People who live in planting zone 9 require palm trees that can withstand high temperatures. Date palms and Chinese fan palms are two palm trees that are capable of doing this.
The state is home to some native species too. There are three species: Sabal mexicana, Sabal minor, and Sabal brazoriensis. Here are some palm trees found in Texas.
7 Palm Trees in Texas
In Texas, it is possible to create a relaxing haven that has the feel of a tropical island in Florida. All it takes is the right Texas palm tree that will tolerate the climate in your region. Here are a few of our favorite palm trees to consider:
- Cabbage Palm
As a native of the southeast U.S., the cabbage palm is a warm-weather tree that thrives in hot, humid summer climates. Despite being less cold-hardy than Dwarf palmetto, it can endure brief temperature dips of up to 10°F in single digits.
The cabbage palm can reach a height of 40 feet or even higher. A stiff, woody stalk holds the fan-shaped fronds in place on the trunks, which have a uniform diameter from base to peak. Its top is covered in these fronds, which create an outstanding aesthetic effect.
- Windmill Palm Tree
In Texas, windmill palms are some of the coldest-hardy palms. Landscape palms have dark green, fan-shaped leaves that grow on stiff petioles that point upward.
Shaggy, fibrous hairs cover its thick, cylindrical bark. Hardy palm trees grow 8 to 10 feet (2.4 – 3 meters) tall and up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide.
The attractive evergreen tree, also known as the Chinese windmill palm tree, thrives in USDA zones 7 to 11. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C) during freezing temperatures.
Therefore, windmill palm trees grow as far north as Wichita Falls, Dallas, and Lubbock in containers or as accent plants.
A windmill palm tree is easily recognized by its rough, stout trunk, displays of dangling yellow summer flowers, and dark blue fruits.
- California Fan Palm
A California fan palm has an exceptionally high drought tolerance and is capable of coping with temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a fast-growing palm with a spread of 20 to 30 feet that can reach a height of 50 feet.
There is a leathery texture to the leaves, which are blue-green in color. In the spring, the tree blossoms with small, white flowers and bears black fruit in the fall. This palm is native to the deserts of California, Arizona, and Mexico.
- Chinese fan palm
The fan palm is the only native species of China, indigenous to the southern provinces. There are also cultivars of this plant in other parts of Asia and Florida and Texas in the United States.
It is a tall tree capable of growing to a height of 20 to 25 meters (66 to 82 feet). Leaflets are narrow, lanceolate, and palmate. There are axillary inflorescences bearing flowers, as well as black drupes bearing fruits.
In China and other parts of Asia, Chinese fan palms are widely cultivated as ornamental trees. Florida and Texas are the leading producers in the United States.
It is capable of growing in a variety of soil types and climates. Furthermore, it is resistant to a wide variety of pests and diseases. It is an excellent tree for landscaping and for use as a street tree.
Its ability to tolerate a wide range of soil types and climates makes it a popular choice for landscaping in Texas.
Moreover, this species is resistant to the majority of pests and diseases, making it an excellent low-maintenance option for homeowners. In my humble opinion, this tree is an excellent choice for landscaping and for planting in public areas.
- Dwarf Palmetto
Dwarf palmetto trees grow well in zones 7 through 11 and are fairly hardy for a warm-weather tree. Winter cold snaps do not significantly damage this native Southeast U.S. palm. Only the needle palm can compete with it in terms of cold hardiness.
Almost any region in Texas is suitable for growing dwarf palmettos. It is also able to withstand conditions of heat, humidity, and heavy moisture.
Due to its lack of a trunk, this palm can only grow to a height of 2 to 7 feet. In this plant, the fronds, which have a fan-like shape, grow directly from the ground and differ in size.
- Mediterranean Fan Palm
Mediterranean Fan Palms are also referred to as European Fan Palms. Despite living in the northernmost parts of the world, where the weather is typically cold, this European native grows quite well.
Moreover, the tree is resistant to drought, moisture, and high humidity in the summer. Generally speaking, Mediterranean Fan Palms are small and stocky in appearance.
The tree reaches a maximum height of 15 feet at maturity, and it has a spread of 15 feet as well. Under power lines, it is the perfect tree to grow due to its low canopy of dark green fronds.
The growth rate of this type of palm is also slow and it develops suckers upon maturation. A single-trunked palm can be grown from the suckers or a group of palms can be formed from the suckers.
- Mexican Blue Fan Palm
Mexico and Baja, California are native territories of the Mexican Blue Fan palm. You can add unique aesthetics to your yard by growing this cold-hardy palm species. Slow-growing, it can reach a height of 10 feet and has blueish-silver fronds.
Mexican blue fan palms can grow as high as 50 feet and as wide as 20 feet. The tree is tolerant of temperature dips of up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winterizing the fronds may be necessary when the winter temperatures fall below double digits. Additionally, the tree grows best when the weather is warm and sunny.
Conclusion
So, it is for sure that there are palm trees in Texas. We hope this guide has been helpful if you are looking to plant palm trees in your home or garden in Texas.
Palm trees are available in a wide range of varieties, each having its unique characteristics and benefits. Before making your final decision, it is always advisable to consult with a local nursery or expert.
Hirah Ehsan is a young scholar of English Literature. She has a passion for research and
writing. She has been writing since 2019. Back in 2019, she owned her blog as well. She talked
to young people through her writings and vocals. She loves reading, volunteering, public
speaking and mentoring. She aims to grow in this field, and is enthusiastic to learn and
undertake new challenges. You can find more information on our about us page