Palm Tree vs Palmetto Tree: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

The palmetto tree and the palm tree both belong to the same family. However, they are very different. While most palmettos grow in the Western United States, only a few palm trees are native to America. If you want to learn more about the differences between these two trees, keep reading while we look at the size, foliage, flowers, fruit, and more.

Overview of the Palm Tree

Size

The palm tree is the larger of the two, with many species growing 80 feet tall or more. These trees do not produce trunks like ordinary trees and have no bark. They remain short for the first few years while their stems grow underground. With the underground stem established, the palm tree will send its stem upward, increasing its height yearly.

Foliage

Palm trees produce large fronds that have an alternating pattern. The long leaves can be 36 inches long with parallel veins. Many of the fronds have a fan shape with shiny leaves.

Flowers

Different species of palm trees produce various kinds of flowers. The desert palm, royal palm, and queen palm all have white flowers, which are pleasing to the eye and soft to the touch. Royal palm trees have yellow flowers that are incredibly aromatic.

Fruit

Palm trees produce many types of fruit, including coconut and dates. Queen palm trees in the United States grow bright orange dates mostly used for ornamentation.

Related Read: Palm Tree vs Coconut Tree: What’s the Difference? (with Pictures)

Overview of the Palmetto tree

Size

The palmetto tree is typically much smaller than the palm tree and usually grows to about 30 feet tall. It’s similar to the palm tree in that it does not have a trunk or bark but uses an underground stem. Once the palmetto tree establishes the stem, it will grow horizontally close to the ground. Most grow no more than 12 feet tall.

Foliage

Palmetto trees have thick, flat leaves that, like the palm tree, can also be about 36 inches long. These stiff leaves usually have a star-shaped pattern that gives the trees their name.

Flowers

Saw Palmettos produce long sticks with yellowish-white flowers, and the dwarf palmetto creates shorter sticks extending just beyond the foliage’s tip.

Fruit

Palmettos produce a small berry that’s usually less than an inch long. Birds and local wildlife often consume it, which can be a great way to bring them onto your property.

Which One Is Right for Me?

Both palm trees and palmettos can make excellent additions to your landscape. Palm trees can be pretty tall, so you need to be careful about placing them too close to your home, and only a few varieties can handle the colder temperatures of the northern United States.

While the palmetto is also a warm-weather plant, you can find them much farther north than palm trees. The plants are much shorter, and you will need more of them, but they are hardy and can live in many soil types.

When To Use Each Kind

Palm trees are a perfect choice if you need to add shade to your yard or would like to start producing fruit. Palm trees also leave a larger footprint that you can see from a considerable distance. Palmetto trees are a great choice when you need something closer to the ground. They are the perfect accent to any garden and are easier to remove if you change your mind later.

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Conclusion

Palm trees and palmetto trees are hardy species as long as they’re planted in warm climates. We recommend checking with your local garden center to see which types of palm trees and palmettos will grow in your area. If the winters in your area drop below freezing frequently, you’ll need an alternative to handle the cold. However, when you live in a suitable location, you can select a palm or a palmetto to provide color and excitement to your landscape.

See also: How to Trim a Palm Tree: 4 Tips & Tricks

Featured Image Credit: L-R: Palm Tree (Image Credit: Pixabay), Palmetto Tree (Image Credit: ehrlif, Shutterstock)