Sunset does not recommend north of Sunset zone 31, but Dove/Woolridge claim USDA zone 6b (at least with protection and given plenty of summer heat), and David Francko in Palms Won't Grow Here (2003) claims it may be even better than Rhapidophyllum in zone 6. Note that leaves may be damaged at 5°F. The McCurtain County, Oklahoma strain is even hardier, surviving temperatures "well below 0°F" in the wild, and may also grow faster. 'Birmingham' has also survived temperatures below zero.
Usually no above-ground trunk, though 'Bluestem Dwarf Palmetto' may form trunks up to 18' (but is hardy only to USDA zone 7) and 'Louisiana' also often has short trunks (but is even less hardy, to USDA zone 7b). Attractiveness of flowers, of all things, is debated. Unlike Rhapidophyllum, generally does not sucker.
Drought tolerance is only after the first few years. pH range is debated.
Sources: Sunset, Dove/Woolridge, Dirr, Odenwald/Turner, NCSU, Missouri BG, Cal Poly, USDA.
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