The subtropical areas surrounding the Mexican Gulf, Corpus Christi, Galveston, and San Antonio aren’t the only places in Texas with palm trees. In North Texas, Dallas, Fort Worth, and even the Texas Panhandle, several cold-hardy palm species grow well. Native sabal palms, dwarf palmetto palms, and towering palm trees like the Mexican fan palm and queen palm tree are among the varieties of Texas palm trees available.
Finding suitable palm trees for establishing in a landscape is difficult due to Texas’ particular climate. While most subtropical and tropical palms prefer hot climates, several temperate palm species thrive in garden settings throughout the Lone Star state.
The finest palm trees to cultivat in Texas are described in this guide. You may choose landscaping palm species for your garden landscape by looking at Texas palm tree descriptions and photos.
Growing Zones in Texas
USDA growing zones 6 through 9 are used to classify Texas. The north of the zones, such as Amarillo, Plainview, and Lubbock, has temperate climates. Nonetheless, subtropical climates prevail in central and southeast Texas, while arid deserts prevail in west Texas. In Texas’ Panhandle, zone 6 is found in the extreme north. USDA zone 7, however, encompasses the northern part of Texas, which includes Amarillo, Lubbock, and Plainview. Winter temperatures here may fall to 5°F to 0°F (-15°C to -17.8°C) on occasion. Snow is also a common sight in North Texas.
USDA zones 7 and 8 are common in northeastern and central Texas. Dallas, Fort Worth, San Angelo, Austin, and San Antonio are all part of this zone. Winter temperatures in this region may fall as low as 20°F to 10°F (-7°C to -12°C). Zone 9, which includes the Mexican Gulf area and areas south of San Antonio, is Texas’s hottest growing zone. Drought-tolerant palms thrive in sandy, well-drained soil depending on their proximity to coastal areas.
Remembering that Texas has a distinct climate is helpful, as are other variables that may influence how well individual palm trees thrive. Soil type, location near lakes and rivers, elevation, and humidity may all influence the palm tree species to choose from.
Palms for Growing in Texas
In southern Texas, where the tall, slender trees with their crowns of arching fronds line streets and coastal regions, tall palm trees are common. In well-fertile soil that drains well, palms prefer to grow in full sun. Palm trees often favor warm and moist environments over frigid and arid conditions. In northern Texas, where temperatures fall below freezing, cold hardy palms may endure frost and snow. The needle palm (zone 6) and the windmill palm (zone 7) are two hardy palms that may be grown in North Texas.
In northeast Texas and central Texas, several palm species suited for zone 8 may be grown. The native sabal palm and dwarf palmetto palms are among the Texas palms. The California palm tree, Chilean wine palm, and cabbage palm are some of the tallest palm trees found between Dallas Fort Worth and San Antonio.
From east Texas, where Galveston and Houston are located, to the west along the Mexico border, most palm tree species are suitable for growing along the Gulf Coast. Date palm trees, pindo palm, and Mexican fan palm are among the heat-loving palms for zone 9.
Types of Texas Palm Trees (With Pictures)
The identifying characteristics of Texas palm trees will be examined in depth here. You may learn more about where to cultivate palm species in the Lone Star state by reading here.
Texas Sabal Palm Tree (Sabal mexicana)
The Texas sabal palm is a robust native palm tree with single trunk and huge fan-shaped evergreen leaves that is suited to grow in southern Texas. The 15-foot (4.5 m) long stems support palm fronds that are up to 6.5 feet (2 m) broad and form a thick, rounded crown.
The Texas sabal palm may reach a height of 50 feet (15 meters) and a spread of 25 feet (7.6 meters). In southern Texas, zones 8 to 11 are ideal for cultivating the native Texas tree. High humidity, loamy, well-drained soils, and full sun are ideal for the Texas sabal palm. To add visual appeal to garden landscapes, grow a specimen native tree.
Texas Palm Tree Identification
The sabal palm tree is distinguished by its enormous palmate glaucous green leaves, groupings of creamy white flowers, and sumptuous, black drupes. It’s also known as the Texas palmetto.
Dwarf Palmetto Palm Tree (Sabal minor)
Several environments, especially in central and southern Texas, are home to the cold-hardy dwarf palmetto. The fan-shaped leaves of the flowering evergreen palm tree, which can spread straight from the ground, are distinguishing features. The leaves are 3 feet (1 meter) broad with smooth, spineless petioles that have huge, pointed segments.
Dwarf palmetto palm trees thrive in central and southern Texas, being drought and salt tolerant. The 4 to 5 ft. (1.2 – 1.5 m) tall and broad shrub-like tree has a low growth rate. It’s a foundation plant or textural accent that’s ornamental in value and useful for growing in warm climates.
Texas Palm Tree Identification
The dwarf palmetto palm’s fragrant, creamy-white blooms, huge palmate leaves, and clusters of dark brown or black fruit are all identifying characteristics.
Windmill Palm Tree (Trachycarpus fortunei)
The windmill palm is a small palm tree that is suitable for growing in north Texas and is hardy and slow-growing. Dark-green, fan-shaped leaves appear on upward-pointing stiff petioles of the little evergreen landscaping palm. It has a thick, cylindrical bark that is covered in fibrous, shaggy hairs. The hardy palm tree may be up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) broad and 8 to 10 feet (2.4 – 3 meters) tall.
The beautiful evergreen grows in USDA zones 7 to 11 and is also known as the Chinese windmill palm tree. It can withstand temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C) and endure brief cold snaps. As far north as Wichita Falls, Dallas, and Lubbock, the windmill palm tree is suitable for cultivation in pots or as an accents.
Texas Palm Tree Identification
The rough, stout trunk, lovely clusters of dangling yellow summer blooms, and black blue fruits are all identifying features of the windmill palm tree.
Mediterranean Fan Palm Tree (Chamaerops humilis)
This cold-hardy palm tree grows as a medium-sized shrub or small tree and is suited for many gardens in central and south Texas. It’s a palm tree with blue-green fan-shaped leaves and pointed, spiky petioles that is multi-trunked and has rough, sturdy suckering trunks.
Evergreen leaves, which grow in a fan form with spiky sections, may be up to 3 feet (1 meter) broad. The USDA zones 9 to 11 are suitable for Mediterranean fan palms. It is, however, very adaptable and can survive temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C), making it tolerant of extreme heat and cold. In Central and Southern Texas, as well as along the Gulf coast, the sun-loving decorative palm tree can be grown as a lawn tree or specimen palm.
Texas Palm Tree Identification
The numerous trunks and rounded crown of the Mediterranean palm tree, which grows up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall, distinguish it. Clusters of brilliant-yellow blooms, brown or yellowish-orange fruits, and pointed petioles are among the other features of the palm.
Date Palm Tree (Phoenix dactylifera)
In southern and western Texas, the date palm tree is widespread, and its fruit may be consumed. With a magnificent crown of big, upward expanding, arching feather-like fronds, this heat-loving tall palm tree has a rough, slender trunk. The 10 to 16 ft. (3 – 5 m) long palm leaves have up to 150 stiff, slender leaflets and are 10 to 16 inches (3 – 5 cm) broad.
The date palm tree grows to be between 50 and 80 feet tall (15 and 25 feet) over a period of many years. The palm tree is hardy in brief freezing episodes of 25°F (-4°C) and is appropriate for zones 9 to 11. Palm trees produce sweet edible dates in the hot, dry conditions of southern and western Texas.
Texas Palm Tree Identification
The Texas palm tree’s pinnate fronds, which arch dramatically and produce a magnificent crown of leaves, are one of its distinguishing characteristics. It also produces clusters of yellow dates that turn brown and black as they mature, which are ornamental.
Dwarf Date Palm Tree (Phoenix roebelenii)
In chilly parts of Texas, the dwarf date palm is a tiny tree that may be maintained indoors. With lustrous green arching pinnate leaves that top the slender trunk, the little evergreen decorative tree has all of the lovely features of the bigger date palm. The dwarf palm tree grows to be 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) tall and 8 feet (2.4 meters) broad.
The gorgeous tree grows in USDA zones 9 through 11, and is also known as the pygmy date palm. The palm needs some afternoon shade from the scorching heat in the most heated regions of Texas. You may overwinter indoors with a dwarf date palm tree grown in containers in northern Texas.
Texas Palm Tree Identification
The dwarf date palm tree has arching fronds up to 3 feet (1 meter) long, fragrant creamy-white blooms, and colorful clusters of red or black palm fruits.
Canary Island Date Palm Tree (Phoenix canariensis)
In warm Texas landscapes, the lovely Canary Island date palm tree is perfect for the southern sections. The graceful palm tree has an upright, rough, and upright trunk with a diamond pattern that is distinguished by its arching feather-like fronds. The Canary Island date palm grows to be 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 meters) tall when fully grown.
It can withstand heat, cold, drought, and salt. It’s an majestic evergreen palm. USDA zones 9 to 11 are ideal for Canary Island date palms, which need full sun for optimum results. As a specimen palm tree, accent plant, or street tree, you may grow the subtropical palm. It may survive temperatures as low as 18°F (-8°C) in the freezer.
Texas Palm Tree Identification
The feathery arching green fronds, robust columnar diamond-patterned stem, and spectacular clusters of reddish-yellow nutritious fruits distinguish the magnificent Canary Island date palm.
Pindo Palm Tree (Butia capitata)
The pindo palm, with its pale green feather-like weeping fronds, robust stem, and showy clusters of sweet dates, can adorn the landscape in South Texas. The arching petioles of the cold-hardy feather palm grow to 3 to 6 feet (1.8 to 1.8 meters). Little fragrant blooms bloom in abundance in the summer, followed by date-like fruit that have a pineapple flavor.
In Texan environments from zones 9 to 11, the slow-growing pindo palm tree (also known as jelly palm) flourishes. This sun-loving palm may be grown as a specimen palm tree or in clusters with other palms for a dramatic effect. Suitable for the upper Gulf coast. It grows to be 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) tall and 15 feet (5 meters) broad.
Texas Palm Tree Identification
The elegantly arching pinnate fronds, a rugged cylindrical trunk, clusters of drooping white flowers 3 ft. (1 m) long, and showy date clusters distinguish the pindo palm tree.
Needle Palm Tree (Rhapidophyllum hystrix)
The needle palm is a cold-hardy shrub-like palm tree that may be found growing as far north as Amarillo in Texas. Needle palms have up to 12 stiff, slender segments that create an open fan shape and have large, lustrous green leaves that measure 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter.
The needle palm is between 3 and 6 feet (1.8 and 1.8 meters) tall when mature. In USDA zones 6 through 10, the needle palm thrives as one of the cold-hardiest palms for a Texas landscape. From the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, the palm’s thick foliage and quick growth make it a versatile landscaping plant.
In addition, full sun and deep shade are equally suitable growing conditions for the shrubby palm. In a shade garden, foundation planting, border plant, or container plant, you can use the ornamental palm as an evergreen ground cover.
Texas Palm Tree Identification
The needle palm tree’s hard, jagged fan-shaped leaves, thick evergreen foliage, and suckering habit are among the distinguishing features.
Cabbage Palm Tree (Sabal palmetto)
The elegant cabbage palm is a hardy palm species with a slender gray trunk and crown that may be cultivated in South Texas and much of central Texas. Most central and southern Texas regions, as well as the northeast towards Dallas Fort Worth, are suitable for this palm. Its leaves, which can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long, create a bushy crown.
USDA zones 8 through 10 are ideal for growing the cold hardy cabbage palm tree. In full sun and moist, well-drained soils, the drought-tolerant palm grows 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) tall. In groupings or coastal areas along the Gulf coast, you may cultivate the palm tree as a specimen palm.
Texas Palm Tree Identification
The cabbage palm tree has enormous, fan-shaped leaves and a smooth gray trunk with petiole remnants that give it a woolly look near the crown, which is one of its identifying characteristics. Clusters of creamy white fragrant flowers give way to luscious black fruits on this palm.
Mexican Fan Palm Tree (Washingtonia robusta)
In the Texas Gulf Coast region, the tall and slender Mexican fan palm is a popular tree. At ground level, its gray trunk has transversal rings and a bulge. Long fan-shaped fronds measuring 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and 4 feet (1.2 meters) broad make up the bushy rounded crown of the Mexican fan palm.
In USDA zones 9 to 11, the Mexican fan palm is appropriate for coastal areas. These palm trees are ubiquitous along the Texas upper gulf coast region and are one of the most common landscaping palms in Texas. In warm, humid climates, these ornamental exotic palm trees make excellent tall accent plants.
Texas Palm Tree Identification
The slim columnar trunk, fan-shaped leaf crown, and swelling at the base are all characteristics of the Mexican fan palm. The way dead leaves lay flat against the palm tree’s trunk is another characteristic that may help to distinguish it.
Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)
In the warm regions of the Lone Star state, the queen palm is a popular ornamental fast-growing tree. The arching feather-like fronds of queen palms, which create an spectacular canopy, are recognized in the Texas landscape. The palm’s trunk, in addition, has unusual ringlets around it and is smooth and gray. In USDA zones 9 to 11, a queen palm tree grows to be about 50 feet (15 meters) tall.
The palm produces beautiful white blossom clusters in the spring and summer, which are followed by beautiful orange edible fruit clusters. In subtropical and coastal situations with consistently wet soils, this palm is very common. It’s worth noting that unlike the other Texas palms, the queen palm isn’t particularly cold-hardy; it typically dies when temperatures drop below 25°F (-3°C).
Texas Palm Tree Identification
The queen palm’s lengthy, slender, smooth trunk is distinguished by its pinnate green leaves, which are small in comparison to other palm trees. Moreover, on its smooth, gray trunk are uneven bulges and dangling clusters of creamy-white blooms on the exotic palm tree.