Naturalizing palms in VA Beach

[TJ_Palmetto]

Took a trip to VA Beach after all the recent snowfall to locate naturalizing palms in the area. I was able to find a significant number of Sabal palmetto near the oceanfront, even fairly large reproductively mature specimens growing in odd spots that were almost certainly naturally dispersed as seeds. My theory why I saw so many more spreading S. Palmetto vs S. minor which is more cold hardy is simply because the Cabbage palmetto is more frequently planted in the landscaping here. I found some decent sized Butia palm seedlings/juveniles as well. I wasn't able to locate any actually growing beyond gardening beds but it's still exciting to see these palms thriving and growing to maturity from seed this far north. I'm sure with climate change we could expect an increasing trend of successful naturalization and potential range expansion North. I found one large colony of Sabal minor growing in a wetland area outside of the Virginia zoo that I would consider more truly naturalized. I'm from NOVA where palms are not really a thing in permanent outdoor landscaping currently. I'd love to know from people who are more familiar with the VA beach area where I could find more naturalized palms or any populations that have established outside of plant beds in this area.

 

[NC-Key-Bar]

Very nice!  Pic #6 had a small butia as well!
I agree with you, i live in ENC and see a lot more Palmetto planted in landscapes than S. minor.  And typically its the Palmetto seeds popping up in ditches and mulch.  I takes some time, but the seed-grown ones will far outgrow the transplants.  In height and girth.