River Trail Stop 2

Cabbage palms grow upright and can be identified with the central vein extending through the leaf.

NPS Photo

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Stop #2: Cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) Cabbage palms are native to our area and provided many uses to native peoples. When facing post number two, a cabbage palm grows directly behind the post, and another to the right of the post. They grow vertically into the typical palm tree shape and are easy to identify after a few years of growth. As young plants just emerging from the ground, they can be easily confused with other palm species. It can be distinguished from saw palmetto by a long midrib that extends into the leaf, giving it a ‘v’ shape. Clusters of small dark blue berries ripen in winter and are reported to taste like dates. Seeds and berries were used for treating headaches and fevers. Fibers can be peeled from the leaves and woven into rope, which was used for fishing nets and traps. The large leaves were pulled into strips and used to weave mats.