In my never ending, eternally hyperbolic quest to discover everything there is to know and do in Tampa (everything…), I’ve hit somewhat of a snag. Maybe it’s because I’m still a newbie, or just because I’m a sap. Lord knows my wife was over it after a week, but I just cannot get past the palm trees. I guess you could say I just can’t see the Bay for the Trees (*loud booing*).
Seriously, 
even though I’m on my second job in three months of living here, I always feel like I’m on vacation. Between the sun, the beaches, the bay, the boats and those riveting, infinitely stupendous palms, I just can’t shake the holiday vibe. Not the “christmas lights on a palm tree” thing, the other “I’m chilling out at a vaction resort” one.
Having said all of that, I did a little research on palm trees in the area, and here is what I found out:
As you can see, I’ve done some pretty thorough research (wikipedia, about.com, SOHO), spent countless hours examining palm trees (45 minutes, give or take a handful) and I still can’t get enough palm on palm action.
Cross posted @ The Delightful Yank
Jason
3 years ago
You should try the old Florida tradition of chopping down a palm tree for Gasparilla, loads of fun.
AM
3 years ago
Must be a newbie. You forgot the Sabal Palm, the state tree of Florida
http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/state_symbols/state_tree.htm
Rachel*
3 years ago
That is adorable! However I wholeheartedly disagree with that first comment. You should not destroy things you love. That sounds like something a depressed teenager would do in a twentieth-century novel about coming-of-age and trying to make girls like you.
If you love palm trees, you should plant lots of them in beautiful places and tell everyone about it! Start a palm tree fan club! Design a palm frond bikini and hand out prototypes to pretty girls! Take chips from the trunks and make handy beer openers for all your friends! Viva la palm tree!
dcdave
3 years ago
More info on the Sabal. While it does appear on the State Seal and the State Flag, and is the most abundant palm in Florida, it is not actually native to the peninsula. It is, in fact, native to Cuba and the Bahamas, like rum.
Jason
3 years ago
“wholeheartedly disagree with that first comment. ”
Smitty
3 years ago
I was going to say the same thing about chopping down a palm tree. Great fun to watch the attempt.
Most attractive palm tree in the area imho is the Paurotis or Everglades palm, and there are several nice specimens in south Tampa; MacDill has a few very nice plantings. It grows as a cluster of narrow trunks surrounded by what appears to be saw palmetto or another low-lying palmetto, but it is in fact a single plant. It doesn’t look especially “tropical” but it screams Florida whenever I see one.
Smitty
3 years ago
Also, not to be a complete tree nerd (actually, yes, I am a complete tree nerd), Sabal is a genus of palm trees comprising about a dozen species, at least three of which ARE native to Florida and/or the southeast. The most common of those is Sabal palmetto, or cabbage palm, which is frequently called the “Sabal palm.” It’s native to the Bahamas, Cuba, and the U.S. mainland from south Florida up to the Carolinas.
Mr. Bill
3 years ago
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
Rachel*
3 years ago
Awww, Mr. Bill, you’re crazy!
And I’ve seen Mark chop down a palm tree! Actually, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him chop down several palm trees, so, really, what are you guys talking about? I mean, he’s a superhero and stuff, but still . . .
dreaming
3 years ago
palm trees are the reason i am here…
dcdave
3 years ago
are there palm trees in broward?
Jason
3 years ago
yes, they have coconuts on them down there.
Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog » Blog Archive » tasty yuletide dates
3 years ago
[...] Part 2 in the super yummy holiday treats series. This recipe is a neat combination of my previously disclosed love of palm trees and my French heritage. [...]
Lenny Gurvich
2 years ago
The Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, or Piccabeen palm is one that is tropical but does pretty well here in Tampa. A hard freeze will most likely kill it, but they are fast growing.
I buy and sell Canary Palms in San Diego
1 year ago
I was just admiring this healthy palm and had to know who posted the picture. I buy and sell Canary Palms and many other types of Exotic Palms in the San Diego Area.
We transplant many canaries, and it always leaves me awe at the end of the day.
If you’re near San Diego, look us up and I’ll show you around the nursery.
In the mean time, we are always available at novelidea4@yahoo*.com if you want to see pictures of more palms and how we move these giant trees.
josh
1 year ago
Huh, and I thought I was alone in my infinite love of palm trees, to the point of obsession. I live in southern ms and have planted every palm I can find that is rated for our winters. The windmill, sabel, european fan palm, washingtonia, mediteranian fan palm, sago (i know, its not really a palm, but has the tropical feel)and jelly (pindo) palm. Any suggestions of others that might do well down to about 15 degrees in the winter? Thanks.
RangerChelle
1 year ago
This may really burst your bubble but Palm Trees are not trees. They are a grass.
Dee
1 year ago
My first winter in Florida and I am so in love with palm trees! I don’t suppose I can grow any in Mass.? Maybe in the house. lol
victor
1 month ago
I have a question I hope someone can answer: I would like to purchase and plant three coconut palms on our property. They are about 19′ tall and are in the ground at a nursery. Because of the recent cold snap, some of their fronds are brown. Would it be prudent for me to purchase them at this time? The nursery will dig up, delivery, and replant. THe warranty on the palms is only 90 days. If the palms are still stressed because of the cold, is it wise to move them now? Or am I risking losing my investment?