Palms date 55 million years in prehistoric fossil records. They were grown by ancient Mesopotamian people 5,000 years ago to be used as building materials, shade, fuel, tool making, shelter, and food. Later the palms were symbolic in religious beliefs and valued in ceremonies.
Florida is home to 12 native species, but other palms were introduced by humans and by natural evolution. Some Palms are tropical and cannot withstand temperatures below the 50’s but others are more suited for colder climates like central Florida.  Few can survive long, hard freezing.  

Choosing a native palm for your landscape in Central Florida promises the best success, but there are other beautiful palms for your landscape that are just as successful. Palms are not trees, but closely related to corn, another monocot. Since palms are not woody plants, their care is quite different from trees. Taking care of palms in your landscape requires some knowledge to ensure a healthy plant. Palms are a wonderful addition to your landscape giving your home that ultimate tropical flair we are accustomed to seeing in the south.

Join our UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Master Gardeners to learn about various gardening techniques and explore new topics for your landscaping ventures through lectures and discussion to help you excel in your yard.