Despite the fact that Arkansas is known for its extreme weather, you can grow palm trees there. Arkansas has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cold slightly drier winters. In the summer, average temperatures are in the low 90’s with high humidity levels. In the winter, temperatures generally are in around low 50’s.
During typical year, the state will get thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, snow and ice storms. While freezing rains are expected throughout the state, snowfalls are more common for the north half of the state.
Even though Arkansas doesn’t get hurricanes, it can get hit with leftovers of a tropical system which can result in flooding and storm damage. On average the state gets around 60 thunderstorms a year. Tornadoes is another treat in Arkansas. A few most catastrophic tornadoes in US history have hit the state. Arkansas USDA Zones range from 6b to 8a.
Arkansas USDA Zones
Growing Palm Trees in Arkansas
There are some hardy palms that can grow in Arkansas. Here is a list of cold hardy palms that can be grown there:
- European Fan Palm Tree – Zones 7b-11 (5 to 10 F)
- Pindo Palm Tree – Zones 7b-11 (5 to 10 F)
- Sago Palm Tree – Zones 7b-11 (5 to 10 F)
- Saw Palmetto Palm Tree – Zones 7a-11 (0 to 5 F)
- Windmill Palm Tree – Zones 7b-11 (5 to 10 F)
- Cabbage Palm Tree – Zones 8a -11 (10 -15 F)
More Palm Trees»
Since Arkansas has such extreme weather with heavy rains and ice storms, make sure to protect your palm trees.
Major Cities in Arkansas
Fort Smith – Hardiness Zone 7a
Jonesboro – Hardiness Zone 6b
Little Rock – Hardiness Zone 7b
~Susan Brian
P.S. If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I do my best to answer them as soon as I can.
What month is best to plant palm trees and what variety in the Southern part of Arkansas