INTRODUCTION

A small, sturdy palm that often has a below-ground trunk, the stems can grow upwards of two-feet. Popular because it is so easy to maintain, the Saw Palmetto will sometimes grow above-ground, often forming an attractive arch.

It’s size and sturdiness makes the Saw Palmetto perfect for use as fencing, borders, and hedging in both commercial and residential areas. Additionally, they are perfect for grouping under larger palms, but they should not be used alongside fences or near recreational areas, due to their sharp, dangerous leaves.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Botanical Name: Serenoa Repens
Pronunciation: sair-ren-NOE-uh REE-penz
Common Name(s): Saw Palmetto
Family: Aracaceae
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 through 11
Planting month for zone 8: year round
Planting month for zone 9: year round
Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year round
Origin: native to Florida
Uses: mass planting; specimen; naturalizing; border;
reclamation plant; accent; ground cover; attracts butterflies
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the
region to find the plant

USE AND MANAGEMENT

Surviving only on rainfall once established, Saw Palmetto grows on any well-drained soil in full sun to shade, and is highly salt-tolerant. Best transplanted when young, larger specimens ideally should not be removed during land clearing since plants grow very slowly and transplant so poorly. This happens because stems frequently grow along the ground as they droop under the weight of the foliage. Therefore, the root system may not be located beneath the foliage but could be 5 to 10 feet away at the base of the stem. Twice the number of collected Saw Palmetto are often planted as desired since mortality is high. Saw Palmetto is becoming more available in containers from
nurseries. Homeowners should make an effort to leave native stands in place beneath existing trees when developing a new lot since they require no maintenance.

Saw Palmetto should be planted on 3 to 5-foot centers to establish a new mass planting. They make a wonderful ground cover effect beneath existing or newly planted trees. Upright plants can be grown into beautiful multi-stemmed specimens but these are not common and quite expensive.

The variety sericea, Silver Palmetto, is recognized by some authorities and has beautiful silver leaves.

Propagation is usually by seed but seedlings grow very slowly.

 

Pests

No pests are of major concern.

Diseases

No diseases are of major concern.