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...
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These states are the most common for palm trees in the US. Because the climate really suits what palm trees need.
Why 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.
A good map for temperature reference is the UDSA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Beginning with yellow tones into brownish, representing areas where palm trees in the US can grow easily.
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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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.
Nearly the whole state is subtropical. The 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.
You'll see plenty if you Visit Miami's Downtown. Many palms do well in Florida. But remember - not all. Still check the specifics of a species' needs.
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?
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 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 has natural growing zones for palm trees. When going inland Surrounding Charleston, you'll find a good place for growing palm trees. Ideal areas are along the coast. Suitable growing zones show South Carolina is a Good Palm State.
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.
Look for them at sandy, scrubby coastal areas.
For example in The Beachside Town, just east of Wilmington NC, the southernmost city.
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.
Alabamans can grow many palm tree species. Easily, pretty much with no worries.
The best area is right along the Southern Coastal Panhandle. Great place to check them out. Living there? You'll find palm trees grow easily.
So there are many species of palm trees in the US that can Do Well in Alabama.
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!
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.
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.
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...
Hmmm - well, they'll need cold weather 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. The most palm-friendly climate!
Our granddaughter lives in the Tulsa area. Every time we visit, we've never glimpsed a palm in Oklahoma. But through the grapevine we've hear of some doing fine.
Searching around, found one place for them! Right in OK City:
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.)
Northern Texas has some areas suitable for palms.
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.
Have you ever been to our state? As we've seen some wonder if Arizona Has Palms! Palm trees are all along streets & in parks where we live in Tucson.
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.
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, the Sonoran Desert.
Arid-tolerable palm trees are easily grown in low desert areas. Below freezing temperatures are rare & don't last long.
There's often Summer Monsoon weather, regularly raising humidity & rainfall levels for 3+ months.
Here's the other Texas!
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!
From high desert to mountains, NM has the southernmost part of the Rockies.
New Mexico palms are most likely to be seen in the lowest elevations.
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.
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. Exceptions here are higher elevations into mountains.
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.
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!)
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.
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?
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.
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...
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!
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.