Help! What is this growing on my Palm Tree?

[Bethwilliams40]

What is this strange limb growing out of my Palm? 2 other limbs are forming as well and looks very strange. I had 2 of these Palm trees planted in my backyard 5 months ago from a nursery. The other palm tree does not have this unusual branch growth on it. Please help me identify my Palm tree and is this normal for this specific species of Palm?.Should I cut unusual branches off? 

[Jeff985]

Welcome to palm talk. Your palms are  flowering. Nothing to worry about. 

[Bethwilliams40]

Thank you Jeff for the quick reply. I figured that is what it’s doing however why is the other Palm tree I bought and planted at the same time 5 months ago flowering? Will it hurt my Palm tree if I cut the flowers before theY bloom to avoid bees or is it recommended I leave it alone till the flowers die? 

[Jeff985]

It’s not surprising that one isn’t flowering so soon after being transplanted. It won’t hurt to cut the flowers off. It actually might help the palms focus their resources on root production, which is what they need right now. 

[Bethwilliams40]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I have been very concerned about my Palm tree and personally do not like the way the flowers look as well as the problems that arise from it. Glad to know it’s not some alien life form taking over.. lol

[Frond-friend42]

What's the species?

[Bazza]

As mentioned...those are flower stalks. After flowering - fruits are formed.

This type of palm (Cabbage) sends out flower stalks once a year. Usually late Spring/early Summer.

The rest of the year they do not send out flower stalks. Just new fronds.

Many property owners with these palms have them pruned once a year to get rid of these stalks. This is usually done after the flower stalks emerge but before fruit is formed. If you choose not to prune your palms- eventually the flower/fruit stalks will fall off but it takes a while and can be messy. Usually some of the lower fronds are also pruned off as well when the flower stalks are removed. I always try to do mine around mid-July.

Congrats on your new Cabbage Palms...they help by adding to our habitat and also provide shade and canopy.

 

 

 

Edited September 15, 2020 by Bazza

[Jeff985]

Sabal palmetto. I do like the smell of the flowers. At my old house I had two of them in the back yard and they used to make the whole yard smell nice. 

[Bethwilliams40]

I am not sure. I thought the man I bought them from said it’s a Palm in Florida called a magestic palm. ???

[Jeff985]

4 minutes ago, Bethwilliams40 said:

I am not sure. I thought the man I bought them from said it’s a Palm in Florida called a magestic palm. ???

They are Sabal palmetto. Also known as cabbage palm. 

[Bethwilliams40]

Please disregard my previous post. You both answered my question about the palms species. You have no idea how much I appreciate the feedback as  I am new to Palm Trees

[kinzyjr]

@Bethwilliams40

Another warm welcome to the forums.  If he really did tell you they were something other than Sabal palmetto, especially if he thought they were Majesty Palms, go back and impress him with your new knowledge.  And invite him to join us on the forums, regardless.

[Bethwilliams40]

Kinzyjr- that is funny. I am so glad to be on this forum and meeting others. I intend to learn a lot from everyone and hopefully one day eventually be able to help other new Palm Tree parents. I did read that Palm trees are male and female which totally blows my mind. How can I tell what sex my tree is? 

[Fusca]

2 minutes ago, Bethwilliams40 said:

I did read that Palm trees are male and female which totally blows my mind. How can I tell what sex my tree is? 

Some species of palms have male plants and female plants (dioecious) such as Phoenix palms (date palms) but your Sabal palm has both male and female flowers so they are monoecious.

Jon