PlantFiles: Dwarf Palmetto, Bluestem Palmetto, Blue Palm, Louisiana Palmetto
Sabal minor var. louisiana

This one is another survivor. It didn't die after three weeks with no watering after being planted in the ground. It has even grown its first bifid leaf here in Z8a. I already lost one plain Sabal minor because of transplanting in mid-season, so I hope this one will become a permanent element of my garden.

I have had this growing on the south side of my house for 4 years now (Z7). I have never covered it with anything, just 6" of mulch around the base. Have never lost a single leaf to the cold. Lovely bluish-green leaves.

The louisiana variety is a Sabal minor with a trunk basically. Some debate whether it's actually a different variety of minor or not. In some cases, old specimens of S. minor can form a short trunk, similiar to the louisiana variety. There are native populations of the louisiana variety growing near lake Ponchatrain (sp?) just outside of New Orleans. The louisiana is usually as hardy as minor, but can lose some hardiness when it forms a trunk. I would rate minor a 7a hardy palm and would grow in 6b if planted in a warm microclimate. However, to be on the safe side, var. louisiana is probably a 7b palm, definitely worth a try in 7a. It would probably require adequate protection in 6b compared to minor. It's very beautiful with costapalmate leaves and a short, fat trunk. Seeds are also very easy to germinate!