14 Types of Palm Trees in Texas: A Guide to the Most Popular Species

Last Updated on February 9, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

Do you know the different types of palm trees that can be found in Texas? If not, don’t worry – we’re here to help!

In this blog post, we will discuss the most popular species of palm trees that can be found in Texas. We’ll provide information on each tree’s appearance, as well as where it is commonly found in the state.

So if you’re thinking about adding a palm tree to your garden or landscape, read on for some helpful information!

Related: 34+ Types Of Palm Trees In Florida

Types of Palm Trees in Texas

1. Sabal Palm or Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto).

1 types of palm trees in texas sabal palm

The most common palm in Texas, this species is found throughout the state. It grows to a height of 50 feet and has a trunk diameter of two feet.

The leaves are palmate, meaning they have a central rib with radiating veins. The flowers are white and borne in clusters at the base of the leaf stems. The fruit is black and spherical, about an inch in diameter.

2. California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera).

2 types of palm trees in texas washington palm trees

The California fan palm is one of the most drought-tolerant palms, and can survive temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a fast-growing palm that can reach up to 50 feet in height, with a spread of 20 to 30 feet.

The leaves are blue-green and have a leathery texture. The tree produces small, white flowers that bloom in the spring, followed by black fruits.

The California fan palm is native to desert regions of California, Arizona, and Mexico.

3. Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis).

3 types of palm trees in texas livistona chinensis

This species is the only fan palm native to China, where it is found in the southern provinces. It is also cultivated in other parts of Asia and has been introduced into Florida and Texas in the United States.

The Chinese fan palm is a tall tree that can grow to a height of 20–25 m (66–82 ft). The leaves are palmate, with five to seven narrow, lanceolate leaflets. The flowers are borne in axillary inflorescences and the fruits are black drupes.

The Chinese fan palm is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in China and other parts of Asia. In the United States, it is grown in Florida and Texas.

This species is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and climates. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases. The Chinese fan palm is an excellent tree for use in landscaping and as a street tree.

The Chinese fan palm is a popular choice for landscaping in Texas due to its tolerance of a wide range of soil types and climates.

This species is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for homeowners. The Chinese fan palm is an excellent tree for use in landscaping and as a street tree.

4. Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor).

4 types of palm trees in texas sabal minor

This is a small, slow-growing palm that reaches a height of about 15 feet. The leaves are blue-green and the trunk is covered with brown fibers.

The Dwarf Palmetto is found in woodlands, floodplains and hammocks throughout Florida and the Gulf Coast states. It is cold hardy and can tolerate some salt spray.

The Dwarf Palmetto is an important food source for many animals, including the Florida panther. The fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals, and the leaves are used as shelter by a variety of creatures.

Related: 21 Best Small or Dwarf Palm Trees for Your Landscape (With Pictures)

5. European Fan Palm or Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops Humilis).

5 types of palm trees in texas european fan palm tree

The European Fan Palm is an evergreen palm that is native to the Mediterranean Basin. It has been introduced to other parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Canary Islands.

The European Fan Palm is a hardy palm that can tolerate cold temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it prefers warm climates and does not do well in areas with high humidity.

The European Fan Palm is a slow-growing palm that can reach a height of 20 feet. It has a slender trunk and gray-green leaves that are divided into 40-60 narrow, finger-like segments.

The European Fan Palm produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the springtime. The fruits of the European Fan Palm are black and drupe-like.

6. Jelly Palm or Pindo Palm (Cocos capitata).

6 types of palm trees in texas pindo palm trees

The Jelly Palm is a species of palm tree that is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The tree grows to a height of 15-20 feet and has a trunk diameter of 12-18 inches.

The leaves are green, pinnate, and measure up to six feet long. The flowers are white and borne in inflorescences that are up to three feet long. The fruit is a drupe that measures up to two inches in diameter and contains a single seed.

The Jelly Palm is adapted to grow in a variety of habitats, including desert, chaparral, and forest. The tree is tolerant of drought and can survive temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. The Jelly Palm is used as an ornamental plant in landscaping and can also be grown in containers.

The Jelly Palm is a slow-growing tree that does not require much maintenance. It can be propagated from seed or by division of the rootball. The tree prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

7. Mexican Blue Palm (Brahea armata).

7 types of palm trees in texas brahea armata

The Mexican blue palm is a species of Brahea. It is native to Mexico, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Texas. The Mexican blue palm is a tall tree that can grow up to 20 meters (66 feet) in height.

The leaves of the Mexican blue palm are blue-green in color and they are arranged in a spiral pattern on the stem.

The flowers of the Mexican blue palm are white and they are pollinated by bees. The fruit of the Mexican blue palm is a black drupe that is about 0.75 centimeters (0.30 inches) in diameter.

The Mexican blue palm is an evergreen tree, which means that it will keep its leaves all year round. The Mexican blue palm is a popular landscape tree in Texas because it is drought-tolerant and it can tolerate high temperatures. The Mexican blue palm can also be grown in containers, which makes it a good choice for small yards or patios.

8. Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix).

8 types of palm trees in texas needle palm tree

The only palm that is native to the eastern United States, the Needle Palm is a small fan palm that grows in clumps and can reach a height of up to six feet.

The leaves are green with yellow or white spots and the leaflets are sharp, giving this palm its name. The Needle Palm is tolerant of cold temperatures and can even handle snow and ice.

This palm is a good choice for those who want to add a touch of the tropics to their landscape but don’t want to deal with the maintenance that some other palms require. Needle Palms are low-maintenance and can even tolerate drought conditions.

9. Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii).

9 types of palm trees in texas pygmy date palm tree

It is a popular landscaping plant in the southern United States. The Pygmy Date Palm is a small palm, usually only reaching about 15 feet (about four and a half meters) in height. It has a slender trunk and graceful, feather-like leaves.

The Pygmy Date Palm is native to Southeast Asia and was introduced into the United States in the late 1800s. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils and climates, making it an ideal plant for use in landscaping.

The Pygmy Date Palm is not cold-hardy, however, and will die if exposed to temperatures below freezing for extended periods of time.

10. Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana).

10 types of palm trees in texas queen palm tree

The Queen Palm is a palm tree that is native to Brazil, but it has been introduced to many other countries. It is a popular ornamental plant in warm climates, and it can also be used as a street or shade tree.

The Queen Palm grows to a height of about 30 feet (nine meters) and has a slender trunk with smooth, gray bark. The leaves are long and pinnate, with about 50 leaflets per leaf.

The flowers are small and white, borne in clusters at the base of the leaves. The fruit is a black drupe, about an inch (two centimeters) in diameter.

11. Sago Palm Tree (Cycas revoluta).

11 types of palm trees in texas sago palm tree

The Sago Palm Tree is one of the most popular types of palm trees in Texas. It can grow to a height of 15 feet and has a lifespan of about 50 years.

The Sago Palm Tree is native to Japan and is also known as the Japanese cycad. It is an evergreen tree that produces small, white flowers.

The Sago Palm Tree is not a true palm tree, but it is often mistaken for one. The Sago Palm Tree is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.

12. Silver Date Palm (Phoenix sylvestris).

12 types of palm trees in texas phoenix sylvestris or silver date palm

The silver date palm is a species of palm tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent and South Asia. It is a large, solitary palm that can grow up to 20 m tall with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm.

The leaves are pinnate, with leaflets arranged in a V-shaped pattern. The flowers are small and white, and the fruits are black and fleshy.

The silver date palm is a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world, and is also grown for its edible fruits. In India, the tree is known as kalpavriksha, which means “tree of heaven”. It is also considered to be sacred in Hinduism and is often planted near temples.

The silver date palm is also known as the sugar date palm or the wild date palm. It is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family) and is closely related to the true date palm (Phoenix dactylifera).

The two species are often confused with each other, but the silver date palm can be distinguished by its smaller size, silver-gray leaves, and black fruits.

The silver date palm is found in the wild in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. It is also cultivated in many other parts of the world, including North America, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

13. Texas Sabal Palm (Sabal Mexicana).

13 types of palm trees in texas texas palmetto texas sabal palm

The Texas Sabal Palm is the state tree of Texas. It is a slow-growing palm that can reach a height of 30 feet (nine meters) with a trunk diameter of two feet (60 cm).

The Texas Sabal Palm is found in south and southwest Texas as well as Mexico. It prefers sandy or loamy soils and is drought-tolerant.

The Texas Sabal Palm is an important source of food and shelter for wildlife. The fruit is eaten by birds, squirrels, and deer. The leaves are used for thatching roofs and making baskets.

The Mexican Palma de la Abuela (Sabal mexicana) is a subspecies of the Texas Sabal Palm. It is found in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Puebla.

14. Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortune).

13 types of palm trees in texas windmill palm

The Windmill Palm is the most common type of palm tree in Texas. They are easily recognized by their large, round leaves and their tall, slender trunks. These trees can grow up to 30 feet tall and are very drought tolerant.

Windmill palms are native to China and were introduced to the United States in the late 1800s. They are now found in all parts of the country.

If you are looking for a palm tree that can withstand cold temperatures and high winds, then the Windmill Palm is a good choice. These trees are also very low maintenance and do not require much care.

Cost of palm trees in texas.

Palm trees are a common sight in Texas, and they can add a touch of tropical flair to any landscape. But before you head to your local nursery or gardening center, it’s important to know how much palm trees cost in Texas.

The average cost of palm trees in Texas ranges from $25 to $75 for small palms, and from $100 to $250 for larger palms. But keep in mind that these prices can vary depending on the type of palm tree, the size of the tree, and the time of year.

Related: How Much Do Palm Trees Cost?

FAQs

Do palm trees do well in Texas?

The answer to this question depends on the type of palm tree you are referring to. Some types of palm trees, such as the sago palm, are not well suited for the Texas climate and will not thrive.

Other types of palm trees, such as the sabal palm, are much more tolerant of the hot, dry conditions found in Texas and will do quite well.

Where are palm trees located in Texas?

Palm trees are found in many different parts of Texas. In the Rio Grande Valley, they are common along roadways and in people’s yards. South Padre Island is another place in Texas where palm trees can be seen.

They line the beach and provide shade for visitors. Palm trees can also be found in other coastal areas of Texas such as Galveston and Corpus Christi. Inland, palm trees are not as common but can be found in cities like Austin and San Antonio.

Generally, anywhere that is warm and has access to water is a place where palm trees can be found in Texas.

Can palm trees survive winter in Texas?

The short answer is yes, palm trees can survive winter in Texas. However, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to ensure that your palm tree makes it through the colder months.

First and foremost, you need to choose the right type of palm tree for your climate. There are many different types of palm trees, and not all of them will do well in Texas. Some of the most common types of palm trees that are found in Texas include:

-Sabal palms

-Saw palmetto palms

-Texas palms

-Windmill palms

Each type of palm tree has different requirements for care, so be sure to research the type that you have or plan to purchase.

In general, palm trees need to be protected from the cold weather in order to survive. This means that you should take measures to ensure that your palm tree is not exposed to freezing temperatures. Some ways to do this include:

-Wrapping the trunk of the tree with burlap or other materials

-Putting the tree in a pot and bringing it indoors

-Placing the tree in a sheltered location

Once you have taken steps to protect your palm tree from the cold, you also need to be sure to provide it with adequate water. Palm trees are susceptible to drought, so during the winter months, you should water your palm tree regularly. Be sure to check the soil before watering, as you don’t want to over-water the tree.

By following these simple tips, you can help your palm tree survive winter in Texas. Just remember to choose the right type of palm tree for your climate and take steps to protect it from the cold weather.

Can palm trees grow in Fort Worth Texas?

The answer is yes, palm trees can grow in Fort Worth! In fact, the city has a pretty diverse climate that allows for a variety of different plants and trees to thrive. Palm trees are actually quite common in the area and you’ll often see them lining streets or adorning front yards.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a palm tree to add to your home or landscape in Texas, we hope this guide has been helpful. There are many different types of palm trees to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. As always, be sure to consult with a local nursery or expert before making your final decision. Thanks for reading!