OBX native Sabal minors, naturalized palms

[TJ_Palmetto]

Took a trip to the Outer Banks last week. I was very interested in seeing the native population of Sabal minor in Hatteras. They were growing EVERYWHERE! It amazes me how adaptable this species is growing in swampy understory, exposed dry sites, and close to the beach. I also found naturalizing Sabal palmetto and unexpectedly a few Trachycarpus fortunei growing wild right along the marsh boardwalk in Buxton Woods Natural Area Preserve. I don't know how they got there I didn't find any T. fortunei planted nearby but they were growing in shady understory in a natural area. Very palmy place has anyone else found naturalizing Trachys or could confirm if this is indeed the start of a feral population?

[07vette]

I might be wrong but it almost looks like the palms at the bottom are sabal palmetto. I didn't know those palms could grow that far north in the wild though.

[TJ_Palmetto]

Yes! Those are indeed Sabal palmetto they had the classic costapalmate leaves and most had decent trunks forming.