The Sabal palmetto, also known as a cabbage palm, and the Sabal minor, or dwarf palmetto, are both native to southeastern North Carolina.
The palmetto is the state tree of South Carolina and Florida, where they are common. Southeastern North Carolina and the barrier islands of the state are at the northernmost boundaries for the trees, which do not thrive in colder climates.
There is a nature trail on Cape Hatteras that passes thought a native strand of Sabal minor palms.
Here’s more information from the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service:
www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/trees-new/sabal_palmetto.html
The Pender County Cooperative Extension Service office offers advice on palms and other coastal plants for landscapes: pender.ces.ncsu.edu/files/library/71/Salt%20Tolerant%20Plants.pdf
Date posted: March 23, 2010
User-contributed question by:
Shaun Hill
Cabbage palms appear to be growing alongside I-40 just past the Rocky Point exit heading to Burgaw on the right side of the road