In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Palmetto Tree in 4 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.
The images above represents how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.
Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.
At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Palmetto Tree.
Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.
How to Draw a Palmetto Tree - Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: First, draw the trunk. Just draw a straight line going up, leave a space, and draw another straight line the same length.
Step 2: Next, draw the roots. All along the bottom of your trunk, draw a couple of wavy lines going down.
Step 3: Now, draw the trunk lines. Draw a small line toward the bottom of the trunk going side to side. Continue drawing these small lines up the trunk.
Step 4: Lastly, draw the leaves of the tree. From the top of the trunk, draw nine long skinny, pointy ovals all connecting at their top points. Continue drawing these bundles all around the top and the top middle of the trunk.
Interesting Facts about Palmetto Trees
Palmetto Trees also known as “Cabbage Palms” are native to the southern states of America. The trees grow up to 65 feet and 2 feet across. Palmettos produce large fan-like leaves that grow to about 6 feet. Unlike other palm tree species the Palmetto doesn’t have a “crown,” which is a place where leaves sprout and cluster. Palmetto leaves grow straight out of the trunk and die off as the tree grows. A Palmetto Tree that hasn’t been trimmed up is covered in dead leaves.
Did you know?
- The name “Palmetto” means “little palm” in Spanish.
- During the Revolutionary War, the city of Charleston built a fort out of Palmetto Tree trunks.
- The Palmetto “heart” (the section where the leaves sprout) was often eaten by Seminole Native Americans. However eating the heart causes the tree to die. Now-a-days people just let the tree grow for landscaping.
- The basket-weave pattern on a Palmetto Tree trunk is caused by the continuous sprouting and dying of the leaves. When the leaves finally fall off they leave their base behind. Eventually the trunk will develop a basket weave pattern.
- Palmetto Trees are able to with stand hurricane winds!
Lesson Plan Note: Study the great state of South Carolina or Florida. Dive into the history of these unique American locations and take your students along too!
How to Draw a Palmetto Tree – Step-by-Step Tutorial