Palm Trees in the US - Where They Really Grow

Palm trees in the US aren’t limited to Hawaii, Florida and California. They grow across many southern and coastal states.

Like with the warm Gulf Coast to the coastal areas of the Carolinas, palms naturally can grow where climates are mild enough to support them. Using USDA hardiness zone details we can map out exactly where palm trees naturally grow and survive.

Here’s a full breakdown of where they're found.

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Overview: Where Do Palm Trees Grow in the U.S.?

Some states are the most common for palm trees in the US.

Because their climate naturally suits what palm trees need. Why is that?

  • Most important is a subtropical or tropical climate.
  • Secondly, if temperatures ever get below freezing.
  • And if temps get that low, the freeze doesn't last long.

Climate and USDA Hardiness Zones for Palms

A good map to consult for palm trees in the US is for temperature reference. The UDSA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Beginning with yellow tones into brownish, representing areas where palm trees in the US can grow easily. We've lined out the normally suitable zones.

US map of Plant Hardiness ZonesThis Palm Trees in the US Map Key Shows Where Palms Grow

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! Because adjustments can be made to accommodate a palm's needs.

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States Where Palm Trees Naturally Grow

Southeastern US states are fit, to varying degrees, for growing palm trees like these.

Some U.S. states have subtropical zones, and fewer have tropical zones. All southern U.S. states bordering the Gulf of Mexico have subtropical regions.

Those are all favorable areas for growing palm trees. But exactly where depends on localized climate, soil conditions, weather, elevation, etc. Let's evaluate such states.

Florida Palm Trees

Nearly the whole state is subtropical.

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

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

Some palms need a lot more loving care, because of their natural origin. Even in Florida. Always ask yourself: will it be the best environmental fit?

Miami Florida Palm GroveIt's a World of Tropical Palms in Miami Florida!

Just as Florida is immersed with tropical palms, Texas offers a different but still favorable climate.

Do Palms Grow in Texas?

Yes, palm trees grow in Texas.

They are most common along the Gulf Coast and in the Rio Grande Valley, where climates support palm trees in the U.S. state of Texas. Like the native species Sabal minor.

And because Texas is a huge U.S. state, with acreage only second to Alaska, it has varied climates. Giving it more palm species variety options.

Palm Trees Love Southern Texas

Especially Where Palms Can Grow along the Gulf Coast. And if you're Staying in Corpus Cristi in the Rio Grande Valley, you're sure to see palms.

Warm, humid conditions allow several species to grow naturally. Cities like Brownsville (Plan a Stay>) showcase healthy palms in landscapes and streetscapes.

Historic Sealy Mansion in Galveston TexasSealy Mansion is in Galveston Texas - Gorgeous Palm Tree Landscape
CLICK TO STAY NEARBY THIS HISTORIC SPOT

Unfortunately the endemic Texas Palm (Sable mexicana) is critically endangered in Texas.

That's according to C.C. Wright at the Texas State Historical Association. Because of clearing for agricultural needs. Now, the best place to easily view it, says TX Parks/Wildlife, is at the Audubon Society's Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary.

Farther Inland and North, Texas Becomes Less Tropical

Only specific outdoor Types of Palms generally do fine. In places such as:

In Texas desert areas, stick to those suited for arid climates, like the Mexican Fan Palm, Canary Island Palm & Desert Fan Palm. Why not get to The El Paso Area to See Them for yourself!

Dallas World Aquarium EntryPalms Wave Entry into the West End Historic District's: Dallas Aquarium
Sunset Heights in El Paso, the Historic DistrictHome in Sunset Heights, El Paso, the Historic District, with nice palms out front.

The best palms for growing in these other areas of Texas are Those Hardy Species like the Windmill Palm or Mediterranean Fan Palm. These types of ornamental palms must be protected from occasional freezes, especially when they're young.

Once you establish them, such palms can do quite well. 

 🌴Summary: Texas supports both native palms in the subtropical south, cold-hardy ornamentals in its central and northern regions, and drought tolerant palms in desert areas.

Hawaii for Palm Trees

Hawaii has the ideal climate for growing humungous amounts of palm trees.

And they do!

MeManda-BlkSndBch.jpgTons of palms on this Hawaiian Black Sand Beach
Behind myself and my granddaughter.

Each Hawaiian island has its own native palms.

They're all cousins, in that they all belong to the same Genus, Pritchardia. There are over 20 species.

Besides that, many other palms were brought here.

The first Polynesians who came to Hawaii's shores brought coconut palms with them. Because they Used All Parts of Cocos nucifera, from food to building materials & clothing.

Palm Trees and Polynesian Hut on Hawaii Big IslandPalm Trees at Every Turn in This Big Island Park
CLICK TO ARRANGE A BIG ISLAND STAY

Louisiana Palm Trees

Louisiana is 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 palms. Like near These New Orleans Stays.

Where can palms grow in Louisiana?

  • 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.
  • North of the above regions? You have to evaluate if it's worth the effort.
palms line a street in New OrleansPalm Trees Line This Downtown Street in New Orleans
Loved Our Stay Here - Click to See French Quarter Stays

Palm Trees in Alabama

Alabamans can grow many palm tree species. Easily, pretty much with no worries.

The best area is along the Southern Coastal Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico. So there are suitable species among palm trees in the US that can Do Well in Alabama.

Daughin Island sand DunesPalm Trees Along the Dunes on Daughin Island in Alabama

Palm Trees in Mississippi

Circumstances for growing palms over in Mississippi is similar to Alabama.

It's got a panhandle shore, well-suited for palms. Like those 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 protective care will be needed!
  • North of that, it's getting more hilly & chilly! Palms are possible, but you'd want to know which Palms Can Endure Some Cold Weather.
Entrance to Jones Park Marina Complex Gulfport MSPalm Tree welcoming entrance to the Marina in Gulfport

Georgia Palm Trees

Georgia has subtropical zones along its coast.

Scrubby, sandy areas are the right place for a Georgia native palm tree. Other palm trees have been cultivated throughout Georgia, and are doing well. 

The most suitable areas in Georgia for palm trees are nearest the coast. The farther south along the coast, the better for growing palms. We recommend Savannah to see lush palm varieties. Try this Beautiful Historically Influenced Spot.

Home in Savannah Georgia's Historic DistrictSavannah's Historic District is known for gorgeous architecture & palm landscapes.

The Carolinas - Contrasting Both North & South

Palm trees are most common along the coasts of South Carolina and southern North Carolina. The humid climate supports species like Cabbage Palmetto (it's the South Carolina state tree!) which likes scrubby environments.

Farther inland, palms are less common. Although cold-hardy varieties like the Windmill Palm survive in protected urban landscapes. Northern parts of North Carolina are generally too cold for long-term survival of outdoor palms.

🌴 Summary: In the Carolinas, palms thrive on the coast but require cold-hardy species inland, with little chance of survival farther north.

South Carolina Palm Trees

When going Inland, Surrounding Charleston, you'll find growing palms can be done.

Ideal areas are along the coast. Suitable growing zones, like here, show South Carolina is a Good Palm Growing State.

Isle of Palms in South CarolinaIsle of palms in South Carolina - Sounds like a place for palm trees!

Do Palm Trees Grow in North Carolina?

We wondered if palms can grow In the Outer Banks at Manteo NC. When visiting our cousin there, we've looked for them in sandy, scrubby coastal areas. But no luck so far.

But this example in This Beachside Town, next to Wilmington, NC's Southernmost City, is a place Where Palms Grow in North Carolina.

Welcome sign in Wilmington North CarolinaYou're welcomed to Wilmington North Carolina, with palms!

Palm Trees in the US - Southwestern States

Mainland southwestern states have regions in the subtropical range.

But because of the Sierra Nevada & Rocky Mountains, plus mountain islands in southwestern states, growing palm trees is quite variable. Climates change as elevations rise. The higher the elevation, the more difficult it is to grow palm trees!

The Köppen-Geiger Classification system of climate divisions calculates more than just temperatures over the years. It includes how dry & hot OR how dry & cold an area has been & much more. All analyzing climate varieties in western & southwestern states.

Palms in Arizona - The Desert Southwest

Lakeside palm in Columbus Park in Tucson ArizonaPalms in Christopher Columbus Park, near our home.

We've seen people asking: does Arizona Have Palm Trees? Desert Fan Palms, Canary Island Palms, Mexican Fan Palms and Queen Palms are all around Tucson, Arizona where we live. These Palms in the Sonoran Desert grow well.

  • There's a fantastic Botanical Garden here. And we recommend This Nearby Stay We Reviewed from our wedding anniversary staycation. 
  • There's another garden you should see, Tohono Chul. This Stay Nearby is highly recommended (I've only been there for conferences). We'll choose it for a future Staycation.

Plenty of places we've seen in our Arizona travels have many palms. Cities such as:

Lake Havasu ArizonaLake Havasu City AZ, With a Variety of Palm Trees
Click if You'd Like to Explore Lake Havasu City & its Palms

Palms in New Mexico

From high desert to mountains, New Mexico has the southernmost part of the U.S. Rockies.

But NM palms are most likely seen in the state's lowest elevations.

  • The southeast corner, at about 2400+ ft., and in the panhandle.
  • Also think along the Rio Grande.
  • Even to Silver City, which has a bit higher elevations than lower Chihuahuan deserts.

For instance Las Cruces is a Nice Small City for Palms. We've Stayed Here, Right Off I-10, while on our way East. It was fine (even if we weren't attending a conference), especially for a budget-friendly rate.

a pool with a beautiful arrangements of palm and other decorGrounds of the lovely Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces
CLICK TO GET YOUR BEST STAY RATE

Nevada Has Palm Trees - Las Vegas Area

Been to Vegas?

Then you know there are palm trees galore there! They get a rare winter snowstorm, but it melts fast.

Think of the Nevada map. The southern triangle of the state has most of the population. And the majority of palms. 

All these Nevada areas are where palms do best. Northerly areas and higher elevations into mountains typically won't work. 

paris casino in las vegasWe Liked the French Atmosphere in the Paris Casino in Las Vegas
With the Flowing Palm Atmosphere Surrounding It!
CLICK TO ARRANGE A STAY>

Palm Trees in Utah

Southern border areas in Utah have much success with palms. Lower deserts, like areas Surrounding St. George, have success growing drought-favorable palms.

But northward in these southern desert areas, the elevation rises. Then growing palm trees becomes more difficult, if not impossible.

Palm Trees contrasted with mountains in St. George UtahSt. George Utah has palm trees for a tropical atmosphere.
While viewing snowcapped peaks in the Pine Valley Mountains

Can Palm Trees Grow in Oklahoma?

Not the ideal climate.

Our granddaughter lives in the Tulsa area. When we've visited we've never glimpsed a palm in The Tulsa Oklahoma Area. But through the grapevine we've heard of some doing fine outdoors.

The most friendly climate for palms in Oklahoma is in the state's southeast corner. Call it the most palm-friendly OK climate!

We've seen palms growing in Oklahoma City.

Palms growing in a Botanical Garden greenhouse in Oklahoma CityIs a botanical garden the only place to find Palm Trees growing in OK?
Click for a Stay near Myriad Botanical Gardens and the Zoo

Palm Trees in the US in California

California is enormous in size & varieties of climates.

From the lowest low (Death Valley), to the highest high (Sierra Nevada Mountains). From arid areas to piney rain forest. Except for mountain elevations, many varieties of palms trees grow.

Southern California is actually a desert. Meaning drought-tolerant palms do fine. The farther north you go, the more important it is to note a palm's cold tolerance.

Along coastal areas, palms grow from the Southernmost Imperial Beach, up to Newport in Mendocino County. Possibly even further north.

Go to San Diego or Los Angeles you'll see palm trees. Northern coastal areas don't get freezes very often. That helps! But the farther South the better, and the more coastal the better.

Just Like San Diego (We Think it's the Best to observe palms!)

View out of Hotel Window in Catalina IslandView from our hotel room on Catalina Island off the Southern California Coast
Click For A Catalina Island Stay!

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Other United States Regions with Palms

Palm trees in the US can grow in other states, too.

Some may surprise you! In these states, successful palm growth depends on an area's microclimate, how far north, coastal or not, elevation above sea level, and typical weather.

We've evaluated these other US states where you'll discover palms are doing fine.

Palm Trees in Arkansas

Are you willing to try? Then you can plant palm trees in Arkansas. Best with cold-tolerant types. With 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. With climates palms could adjust to.

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

Welcome to Oregon - Let's Search for Palms

Gold beach Oregon historic ranger stationHistoric ranger station at Gold Beach Oregon
CLICK TO LOOK AROUND GOLD BEACH OREGON

Coastal areas are the best bet for growing palm trees in Oregon.

Where freezing temps occur the least, and last the shortest time. It's the warmest, wettest climate of the state. Yes, plenty of rain. Your optimal type of palm is the cold-tolerant species.

Do you know where palm trees grow in Oregon? They're in Reedsport on the Coast. We've also discovered palms in Portland (we always enjoy going there), And You Can Too>

Somebody Knows About This One...

palm tree in Oregon yardA large Canary Island Palm growing around Brookings Oregon!
GREAT STAY OPTIONS IN BROOKINGS - TO SEARCH FOR PALMS

Palm Trees in Washington State

Coastal areas are the place for palms.

That includes Puget Sound Coasts. Conditions are similar to Oregon. Except for interior sections of Olympic Peninsula. And we hear there are palms in the Seattle area.

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

Queen Anne house in Washington StateQueen Anne House in Cathlamet Washington welcomes visitors with entryway Palm Trees!

FAQ About Palm Trees in the US

What is the northernmost state with palm trees?

Palms grow in the Washington State and in Oregon. I've heard of palms doing well outdoors in places like New York and New Jersey. And I've seen discussions on Palm Talk that even Minnesota has some palms growing! Pretty amazing.

The northernmost limits of palm growth can be difficult to define. It depends on many factors such as palm species' toleration to low temperatures, and the protective care palms are given to get them through very cold weather.

Do palm trees grow naturally in the U.S.?

Yes, many species of palm trees grow naturally in the U.S.

Many states have palms that are endemic. Examples are:

  • Royal Palms (Roystonea regia), native to southernmost Florida.
  • Texas Palm (Sabal mexicana) naturally flourished in South Texas, but is now a threatened species.
  • Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor) has always grown in the southeastern U.S. But also in suitable areas of Texas, Oklahoma & Arkansas.
  • Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto) is indigenous from southernmost North Carolina on down through Florida.

Can palm trees survive in cold climates?

Yes, hardy palms do just fine in some colder climates.

Species like Trachycarpus fortunei, Sabal palmetto, Trithrinax brasiliensis and Rhapidophyllum hystrix are known to tolerate lower temperatures than most palms.

Their cold-hardiness becomes established once they're over a year old. Before that, they'll need protective coverings for any cold spells.

The Range of Palm Trees in the US - Takeaways

Quick takeaway: Palm trees in the U.S. love warm coastal areas and southern states, where they do well. Southwestern states of the U.S. grow many drought-friendly species. But some hardy species can survive surprisingly far north.

Palm trees in the US are not limited to the tropics. In the United States, they grow naturally and ornamentally across Florida, the Gulf Coast, southern Texas, southern California, coastal areas of the Southeast, and desert areas of the southwest.

Hawaii is the perfect place for tropical palm species. Cold-hardy palms do well as far north as the Carolinas. The desert Southwest is a good place for arid palm species.

While their range is Defined by Hardiness Zones and climate, palms bring a distinctive, tropical feel wherever they grow.

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