How far south until I see palm trees?

[ADisneyQueen]

We are going to williamsburg, Va and then heading south towards GA/FL. When would I see palm trees? DDs want to know. Thanks!

 

[Mark P.]

Don't ask me why I notice these things, but...
While driving on I-95, I recall first seeing palm trees somewhere in North Carolina (probably southern, NC), at a huge car dealership on the right side of the highway.

Have a safe trip,

-Mark

 

[JoeCathyAngelina]

Don't ask me why I notice these things, but...
While driving on I-95, I recall first seeing palm trees somewhere in North Carolina (probably southern, NC), at a huge car dealership on the right side of the highway.

Have a safe trip,

-Mark

We drove down to WDW from Boston, Mass. in March/April 2004. Somewhere between 5:00am in Florence, South Carolina and 8:00am in Newport, Georgia the sun started to come up and I saw palm trees. You can't help but to look for them along the side of the road and when you stop for gas.
Good Luck all,
Joe

 

[bdcp]

You'll know you're heading the right way when you start seeing moss hanging from the trees in SC. I remember the most palm trees in GA and FL, but you'll see some in SC, and a few in NC. We took the Auto Train last Nov and are taking it again this Nov for a cruise and sunup was around Jacksonville and there were a lot of palm trees visible then. What you really see is pine trees heading down VA through FL.

 

[dizchick]

I love palm trees, so I too actually pay attention to this! If my memory serves me correctly, you should first begin to see them right around the NC/SC border. I remember being suprised that there were palm trees when I was last in Wilmington, NC. That's what makes me think they start around the border. I wish we had them in VA. I have a small one in my house...does that count?

 

[jobie61]

I believe the first palm tree I've seen is at the SC Welcome center once you've past South Of the Border.

 

[Accentuate+]

SCs state tree is a Pametto and the state's nickname or motto or whatever is "The Palmetto State". I don't know why.
You'll definitely see them in SC, though.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Most of what you see in North Carolina was planted by someone as landscaping. But cold-hardy Pindo Palms and Windmill Palms can be planted and will grow in Virginia, especially in coastal areas.

As far as naturally growing palms, South Carolina does have their state tree which is the Sabal Palmetto (or Cabbage Palm) growing wild; this is also Florida's state tree. These are the ones that look like tall trees. But growing low to the ground and usually no more than a few feet high are the Saw Palmettos and you'll see these along the sides of the interstate in southern South Carolina, Georgia and of course Florida.

Come visit my yard as I've got about 30 different palm species growing!

BobK/Orlando