Sabal Palm

Texas’s Only Native Palm

The Sabal Palm (Sabal mexicana), also called Texas Palmetto, is the only palm native to Texas. Its massive fan-shaped leaves and stout trunk create a bold tropical presence. Well-adapted to SA’s climate and moderately cold-hardy. Alfaro Tree Sales stocks Sabal Palms at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery.

½–1 ft/yr
Growth Rate
30–50 ft
Mature Height
Good
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun
Water
Low–Moderate
Growth
½–1 ft/yr
Mature Height
30–50 ft
Foliage
Evergreen
Native Texas Palm
Native Texas

Native Texas Palm

The Sabal Palm is the only palm species native to Texas, found naturally in the Rio Grande Valley. It’s well-adapted to our climate and supports native wildlife.

Only palm native to Texas Bold tropical appearance Moderate cold hardiness Available at our 40-acre nursery

Sabal Palm vs. Windmill Palm

Two popular poolside options for San Antonio compared.

Recommended

Sabal Palm

Growth Rate½–1 ft/yr
DroughtGood
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height30–50 ft
WaterLow–Moderate
Best ForPoolside, Native Palm

Windmill Palm

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
DroughtGood
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height40–50 ft
WaterModerate
Best ForShade

Growth Timeline

Expected growth after planting.

4 ft
Planting
6 ft
Year 5
7 ft
Year 10
Full form
8 ft
Year 20+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Deep water regularly during the first growing season. Moderate water needs once established; supplement during extended drought.

Soil & Fertilizer

Adapts to most soils. Light balanced fertilizer in spring after year 1.

Pruning

Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Best done in late winter (January–February).

Best Planting Time

October through March is ideal for establishment before summer heat.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun
Water
Low–Moderate
Growth Rate
½–1 ft/yr
Mature Height
30–50 ft
Canopy Spread
10–15 ft
Foliage
Evergreen
Foliage
Evergreen
Native Range
S. Texas & NE Mexico
Soil
Any
Best For
Poolside, Native Palm
Category
Poolside
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Sabal Palms grow ½–1 ft/yr in San Antonio under good conditions.

Moderately. They benefit from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Mature size is typically 30–50 ft tall with a 10–15 ft spread.

They thrive in any soils, which matches most San Antonio properties.

October through March is ideal. Our team plants year-round with proper watering protocols.

We offer Sabal Palms in various sizes. Available at our nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the San Antonio metro. Request a free quote.

Sabal Palms are excellent for poolside, native palm in the San Antonio area.