South Carolina’s official tree, the Sabal Palmetto, is commonly known as the cabbage palm and palmetto palm. It has historical significance dating back to the Revolutionary War and is part of the state flag. The palmetto palm is also native to neighboring states and has an upright stem and fan-shaped leaves. It was used to build coastal forts during the Revolutionary War due to its ability to absorb cannonball impacts. The South Carolina state seal and pledge to the flag also feature the palmetto tree.
South Carolina is referred to as the Palmetto State because its official tree is the Sabal Palmetto. This tree is commonly referred to as the cabbage palm and palmetto palm. Sabal palmetto grows on the sandy plains of South Carolina and has historical significance dating back to the Revolutionary War. After South Carolina seceded from the Union in 1861, the Sabal Palmetto became a part of the South Carolina flag.
The palmetto palm is also native to neighboring southeast states, including Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. It has an upright stem and fan-shaped leaves. Palmetto palm leaves can be eaten when young by animals such as deer and pigs. This native Palmetto State tree also has wood that can be used for pilings.
Coastal forts were built of sabal palm wood during the Revolutionary War because the soft material absorbed all the impacts of cannonballs. Palmetto State lends itself well to this tree due to its abundance of salt marshes and brackish marshes. Ripe palmetto fruits are spread by birds and animals which disperse it to local habitats.
During the Revolutionary War, Colonel William Moultrie designed a flag for use by his South Carolina troops. The blue color of the flag was the same as the uniforms of the troops for which it was designed. A silver emblem of their caps was used in its design. Colonel Moultrie had survived a British attack on Sullivan’s Island in a palm-trunk fort.
Today, a sabal palmetto is displayed on the South Carolina state seal, which contains images of a standing and fallen palmetto tree. The fallen tree symbolizes the British fleet and the standing palmetto represents the triumphant defenders who fought on June 28, 1776 at Sullivan’s Island. A woman is shown on a shoreline with weapons, representing hope for South Carolina. On January 28, 1861, the General Assembly added the palmette to the original design. The addition of the mast to the flag helped launch Palmetto State as the official nickname for South Carolina.
The Pledge to the Flag of South Carolina also mentions the palmetto tree. Mrs. John R. Carson wrote the pledge in 1950, and members of the Wade Hamptom chapter of the United Daughters of Conderacy requested that the pledge be made official. It was later adopted by deed number 910 of 1966. Those who recite the pledge confirm their loyalty and faith to the Palmetto State.
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