 Each leaf is long, with 40-60 leaflets up to long.It was originally speculated that Sabal birmingham was a hybrid between "Sabal palmetto" and "Sabal mexicana", however its slow growth rate and increased cold hardiness point more toward a hybrid between "Sabal palmetto" and "Sabal minor".This palm is in great demand in areas where "Sabal palmetto" is only marginally hardy because of its lower protection needs.