The Dwarf palm (Bush Palmetto, Sabal Minor) is a member of the Sabal genus. There are 16 species in this genus. These species also been known as the Palmetto. All Sabal palms have gorgeous and very unique costapalmate leaves. Native to North America these palms are beautiful features of the Southern United States.

Its close relatives are the Sabal Palm (Cabbage Palmetto, Blue Palmetto) and Serenoa Repens (Saw Palmetto).

The Bush Palmetto is a small version of the Sabal Palm but it is more cold hardy. They are both highly resistant to winds, salt spray, hurricanes, floods and droughts.

The Dwarf palm is often confused with the Saw Palmetto. They have similar size, leaves and both are grown in the southern United States. The difference is in leaf stems. The Serenoa Repens has two rows of sharp saw teeth (that’s why it gets that name) and longer midrib, and the Dwarf Minor has no spines and a really short midrib. The Saw palm is is an aggressive spreader and the Sabal Minor does not spread too much.

The most common use of the Saw Palmetto is an herbal treatment for several medical conditions. The use of the Dwarf Palm is only decorative.

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