Palm Trees in the US

Here at Mission: Palm Trees

Palm lovers can get the info needed to ease their searching tasks. While enjoying our articles & having fun, without unneeded shoptalk lingo & tiring research.

MOSTLY SOUTHERN STATES?

The states in the United States that have palm trees are generally in the South. And of course, you know Hawaii is a state that has palm trees growing on each of the island counties.

And you'll be right! If you've been there, you've luxuriated within them.

But they're also in the very southeastern part of the country. And you're likely aware that Southern California has many palm trees.

But surprisingly, they're found throughout many other U.S. Are you wondering what those states are? We'll show you where! Just keep moving on down here to see it all.

Or click to see exactly where it's happening...

What States Have Palm Trees
In the US?

These states are the most common to have palm trees in the US. Because the climate really suits what palm trees need.

What is that? Most important is a subtropical or tropical climate. Or at least rarely ever below freezing temperatures. And if they do, the freeze doesn't last long.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
Also For Climate Inference

In regards to what we just said about freezes, a good map for temperature reference is the UDSA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Beginning with yellow coloring and warmer, represent areas where palm trees in the us can grow.

US map of Plant Hardiness Zones

Will They Be Successfully Grown?

That depends on more than this map. Right now we're speaking of survival ability, the possibility for success of any palm trees in the US - anywhere! 

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Palm Trees in the US Southeastern States

Southeastern states have regions in subtropical zones. Therefore they're fit, to varying degrees, for growing palm trees.

U.S. states in the southeast have subtropical zones. That's a favorable area for growing palm trees. But exactly where depends on localized climate, soil conditions, weather, elevation, etc. 

Therefore southeastern states are fit, to varying degrees, for growing palm trees.

Florida Palm Trees

Nearly the whole state is subtropical. Plus the very southernmost areas fall into the tropical zone. The climate has lots of sun and rain, making for good humidity levels. With rare freezing weather, Florida is a state well suited for palms trees.

You'll see plenty if you Visit Miami's DowntownMany palms do well here in Florida. But remember - not all. Still check the specifics of a species' needs.

Yet some palms need a lot more loving care. Even in Florida. Because of their natural origins. Always ask yourself: will it be the best environmental fit?

Miami Florida PalmsIt's a World of Tropical Palms in Miami Florida!

Georgia Palm Trees

Georgia has subtropical zones along its coast. Scrubby, sandy areas are the right place for this Georgia native palm tree. Going farther inland, other palm trees have been cultivated and are doing well. 

The elevation makes a difference, though. Generally, the farther north into Georgia you go, away from coastal areas, the higher the elevation.

The most suitable areas in Georgia for palm trees are nearer the coast. The farther south along the coast, the better for growing palm trees. Like in The Savannah Area, probably our favorite Historic Southern City.

South Carolina Palm Trees

A small section of SC has a good fit as natural growing zone for palm trees. An arc going inland Surrounding Charleston is best for palm tree growing in the state. Then going south from Charleston along the coast.

  • With extra care, some palm species do fine, for up to about 70 miles inland.
  • One Small Palm is endemic. Native to scrubby coastal areas.

North Carolina Palm Trees

Surprisingly this far north, you'd come across species of Palms in North Carolina. When we visit our cousin In Outer Banks Manteo NC, we always smile when we see one. 

If you're hiking around sandy, scrubby coastal areas. That's where a particular naturally endemic palm tree grows.

But other cultivated palms are grown along coastal shores. The farther north, the farther inland, the more they must be watched over during winter.

For your own growing, with careful watchfulness, many available palm trees in the US can do well for you in Lowland NC. For example at The Beachside Town, just east of Wilmington NC, the southernmost city.

  • First check the palm's cold-hardiness.
  • See what others are growing successfully. 
  • And check local nursery recommendations.

Palm Trees in the US Southern States

All southern states along the Gulf of Mexico coast have subtropical regions. Where palm trees grow there rests on area specifics. How far north, away from the coast, how far above sea level, etc.

Palm Trees in Alabama

Many of you Alabamans can grow lots of palm tree species. Easily, pretty much with no worries.

Some far inland areas, and "needy" species will need a bit of watchfulness. The best growing areas are in the southern pan handle and the farthest southeast.

But the absolute best is right along the Southern Coastal Panhandle. Great place to check them out. Living there? You'll find palm trees grow easily.

But with your tender-loving care many species of palm trees in the US can do well in the southern 2/3 of the state.

Palm Trees in Mississippi

Circumstances for growing palms over in Mississippi is similar to Alabama. It's got a panhandle shore, too. Well-suited for growing palm trees. As You'll Find in Gulfport>

More inland, to about 20 miles north of Hattiesburg you can grow palms quite successfully. The next 1/3 of the state northward, growing palms won't be very easy. Your excess care will be needed!

The final northerly 1/3 of the state really isn't suited to easy palm tree growing. Very difficult, at least outdoors. It begins getting more hilly & chilly!

Louisiana Palm Trees

If you're here, you're among the best of the Southern states for growing palm trees! Louisiana is often sultry, humid & hot. Seldom getting cold weather, freezing temps are rare. Many areas are suited for them. Like This New Orleans Stay>

East to West, south of these county's northern borders: Beauregard, East Feliciana to Washington. You've got it easy.

North of there, about Shreveport over to Bastrop, any outdoor palms need your careful wintertime watching. Above that: worth the effort? You could check our Arkansas tips.

Palm Trees in Arkansas

Are you willing? Then you can plant palm trees in this southern state. But definitely go for the cold-tolerant types. Plus, they'll need careful oversight in winter.

Put in work & attention to Give Your Palms a Successful Life.

The southeastern corner of the state is your best bet. Think from south of I-40, across from Memphis Into Little Rock, then southeast of I-30. That's about the best overall Arkansas localized climate they could adjust to.

We've driven through the state several times. Yet haven't seen any. Have you seen any palms in Arkansas?

You can see Austin's showing you where it's been done in Little Rock...

Can Palm Trees Grow in Oklahoma?

Welcome to Oklahoma sign

Hmmm - well, you could try! It won't be easy & will require consistent watchfulness.  Not the ideal climate. Similar to growing palm trees in the US state of Arkansas.

You might see palms growing here, in OK's State's Southeast Corner. That's the most palm-friendly climate - if we can go that far! Best try is in the extreme Southeast.

Our granddaughter lives in the Tulsa area. Every time we visit, we've never glimpsed a palm in Oklahoma. So we don't know of any. Do you?

Palm Trees in East Texas

This giant state has many climate areas.

It's easiest in the southeast to grow palms. Conditions similar to Louisiana.

Other remaining areas could be up to planting some palm tree species, with care. (Below see West Texas Palm Info.)

Palm Trees in the US Southwestern States

Southwestern states can generally be categorized in the subtropical range. Because of the Rocky Mountains & mountain islands typical of these states, growing palm trees is quite variable.

Climate changes as elevations rise. The higher you go, the more difficult it will be to grow palm trees! Essential consideration when looking at each state.

There's a system of climate divisions that calculates more than just temperatures over the years. It includes how dry & hot OR how dry & cold an area has been & much more. The Köppen-Geiger Classification system has 25 climate subdivisions for thinking of growing palm trees in the US.

Particularly important for climate varieties in western states.

Arizona Palm Trees

Lakeside palm in Columbus Park in Tucson ArizonaPalms in Christopher Columbus Park
Our Family Has Fun Memories Here!
A Short Drive From Our Home

Have you ever been to our state? As we've seen some wonder if Arizona Has Palms! Many palms are all along streets & in parks where we live in Tucson. The town's swathed by palm trees throughout.

There's a fantastic Botanical Garden. And we could recommend This Nearby Stay>. There's another garden you should see, Tohono Chul. This Nearby Stay is highly recommended (I've only been there for conferences). But from what I could tell, I may one day choose it for a Staycation. 

Surrounding us in Tucson are about four mountain ranges. They extend as high as 9000+ feet up.  These mountains are within 1/2 to 2 hours' drive or so. Of course, traveling up that elevation, no palms there!

Cities such as Phoenix, Yuma, Bullhead City (recommending this, across the Colorado River from Laughlin NV), Kingman & Lake Havasu City all have plenty of palm trees! Where they're successfully growing Palms in a Desert. They're in the US Sonoran Desert. Towns throughout grow palm trees. Villages with palm groves scattered here & there, etc.

Arid-tolerable palm trees are easily grown in lower desert areas. Below freezing temperatures are rare & don't last long.

There's often Summer Monsoon weather, regularly raising humidity levels for 3+ months. Conditions making it easier to grow wider varieties of palms.

Even more with particular care. 

Palm Trees in the US - in West Texas

Here's the other Texas! Go from desert to the highest mountain, Guadalupe Peak: 8,749' up. Higher elevations aren't suitable for palm trees, including the panhandle's high plains.

In lower desert areas, stick to specific Types of Palms. Those suited for arid climates & cold-tolerant plants that don't need lots of moisture. Once you establish them, these can do quite well. Particularly in the El Paso Area for Seeing Them.

Some Texas palm species can Grow in the Desert. But watch the elevation. Another need? Not too much water!

Palm Trees in New Mexico

From high desert to mountains, NM has the southernmost part of the Rockies.

The highest is over 13,100 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where palm trees never grow naturally. 

New Mexico palms are most likely to be seen in the lowest point. In the southeast corner, at about 2400+ ft. Also think north along the Rio Grande up through Truth or Consequences.

Historic Warren HouseHistoric Warren House in Silver City New Mexico
Has a Palm-Like Entrance

Palms can be established in the panhandle & those southwestern areas of the state. Even to Silver City, which has a bit higher elevations than lower Chihuahuan deserts. For instance Las Cruces, a Nice Small City with palms.

Also see West Texas for planting palms in New Mexico.

Nevada Has Palm Trees

Been to Vegas? Then you know there are palm trees there. They get a rare winter snowstorm, but it melts fast.

Think of the Nevada map.

The southern triangle of the state has much of the populous. And the majority of the palm trees. In Las Vegas, Henderson, or Laughlin For the River & Palms. How about over to Lake Mead areas. All these areas for where palms will do best. 

This part of Nevada sometimes experiences summer monsoon conditions. With extra care, you could expand your choice of species.

North of this could be possible for palms. Draw a line from Beatty near the western border to Panaca/Hwy.319 at the eastern border.

The exceptions here are higher elevations into mountains. 

Palm Trees in Utah

Southern border areas can have much success with palms. Lower deserts, like areas Surrounding St.George, with palms growing.

But northward in these southern desert areas, the elevation rises. Then growing palm trees becomes more difficult.

Palm Trees in the US Western States

Go to San Diego, Los Angeles - sure you'll see palm trees. Begin heading north and you could see a palm that amazes you. Northern coastal areas don't get freezes very often. That helps!

These states are quite variable for palm trees that do well. Generally, the farther South the better, and the more coastal the better. Just Like San Diego (We think it's the best - especially for palms!)

Palm Trees in the US in California

Cali is enormous in size & varieties of climates. It goes to the lowest low, then to the highest high. From arid areas to piney rain forest.

Varieties of palms trees grow. Yet again, not in high elevations. Southern California has lots of desert climes. Species planted there don't take to gushing irrigation.

The farther north you go, the more important it is to note a palm's cold tolerance. So it depends on the area for a palm's growth success.

  • All throughout Southern California palms grow. Multiple types. From deserts inland to ocean shores. 
  • Except for the Sierra Nevada Mountain range edging the eastern border, sometimes palms are found in surprising areas. The Central Valley has palm trees growing as far north as Corning. The farther north you go, the less you'll find.
  • Along coastal areas, palms grow from the southernmost Imperial Beach, up to Newport in Mendocino County. Possibly even further north.

Hawaii for Palm Trees

Hawaii has the ideal climate for growing humungous amounts of palm trees. And they do! One reason we love to travel there, for that palmy atmosphere. Have you been there yet?

Two woman sitting on a black sand beachI'm With Our Granddaughter Amanda
At This Black Sand Beach on the Big Island

Each Hawaiian island has its own native palms. But they're all cousins, in that they all belong to the same Genus. Their scientific name begins with Pritchardia. Then the second part of the scientific name (called the epithet) shows there are over 20 species.

Besides that, many other palms were brought here. As early as the first Polynesians who came to Hawaii's shores. They brought coconut palms with them. Using all parts of Cocos nucifera, from food to building materials & clothing.

Palm Trees of the US States in the Northwest

Palm Trees in Oregon

Coastal areas are the best bet for trying to grow palm trees in this state. It's where freezing temps occur the least and last the shortest time. It's the warmest, wettest climate. Yes, plenty of rain. Your optimal type of palm is the cold-tolerant species.

But pay attention to mountain ranges. Planting palm trees there won't go.

Do you know where palm trees grow in Oregon? We know about Palms in Portland and in Reedsport on the Coast.

Somebody Knows About This One...

Palm Trees in Washington State

Coastal areas are where you'd have the best luck, with added watchfulness, if you tried planting palm trees here. That includes Puget Sound coasts. Conditions are similar to Oregon. 

The exception is interior sections of Olympic Peninsula.

Again, we've been here, but never have seen any palms growing! Guess we didn't go to the right places to see them. We hear there are several, even more - in the Seattle area.

Here's one example. Not in Seattle, but in Southern Washington near the Columbia River!

Why Not Stay in Cathlamet & Check it Out>

Palm Trees in the US Takeaways

Now we've seen all these U.S. states where palms can live. Did you think they only grew in Southern states? But not only there, so many other places for palm trees to thrive.

The main thing is to ensure what palm you're planting is the right one for the right climate. Otherwise chances for success diminish.

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