Congaree Self Guided Boardwalk Tour Stop #14

Stop #14

Quick Facts

Location:

33.8249, -80.8188

Significance:

Tour stop

Dwarf Palmettos

South Carolina is known as the Palmetto State. It is named after the state tree, the cabbage palmetto. The short fan-like palms beside the boardwalk are dwarf palmettos (Sabal minor), a relative of the cabbage palmetto. They are one of the hardiest palms due to their ability to withstand freezing temperatures. Dwarf palmettos thrive best in wet, sandy areas where disturbance, like a hurricane, causes a gap in the canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor.