An endemic palm, confined to the Sierra Madre Occidental. Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest. Range includes parts of Sinaloa and central Sonora, Mexico. Scattered in thorn forest and oak forest along watercourses. Height: To about 25 to 30 feet. A key diagnostic character is that the petioles are smooth and extend well into the bluish leaf blades.

Tolerates hot sun and dry winds. Cold Hardiness Zone: 8a

A big and beautiful Sabal, impressive because of the silver blue color of its fan leaves. While it is locally common in the wild in the Sonora desert of Mexico, it is little used in cultivation both inside and outside that country, which is a great shame. The seeds germinate easily and quickly, growth is reasonably fast, and the plants are very adaptable to a wide range of climates and can even take severe frost.