Saw palmetto - Serenoa repens (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is a relatively maintenance-free shrub that works well as a privacy hedge. It offers cover for a variety of wildlife and can grow up to 8 m high. The beautiful yet rugged palmate-shaped leaves have been utilized for roofing and to create matting for floors. Young shoots of the saw palmetto are fire-resistant.

Scientific classification

Species

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Palms, bullanocks, and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Perennial

Lifespan

Palm

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

2 m to 3 m

Plant Height

1.2 m to 6 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

4 mm to 5 mm

Flower Size

Red, Black, Burgundy

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Gold

Flower Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

Images of Saw palmetto

Attributes of Saw palmetto

Growth Rate

During its active growing seasons of Spring and Summer, saw palmetto demonstrates a slow growth rate. This influences a moderate leaf production and limited height gain, highlighting a gradual maturation process. However, this slow-paced growth contributes to saw palmetto's longevity and resilience in varying climate conditions, an intriguing horticultural feature of the species.

Culture

Symbolism

Courage and strength

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Saw palmetto

Fan-shaped fronds with saw-like spines on stems.

Yellowish-white flowers in compact, fragrant clusters.

Fruit transitions from yellow to black, 0.5-1 inch in diameter.

Compound leaves with spiny petioles, varying in color.

Green stem with prominent sawtooth spines, forming clumps.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Saw palmetto

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Saw palmetto thrives in moist, well-drained soils typical of its coastal habitats, requiring moderate moisture. Watering every 1-2 weeks is ideal, avoiding over-saturation. While resilient and large, saw palmetto is usually grown outdoors, benefiting from natural rainfall to meet its hydration needs.

Fertilize: Fertilize saw palmetto sparingly with a balanced or high nitrogen formula 1-2 times yearly during the growing season. Use granular, slow-release products, water post-application, and avoid overfertilization. Adjust feeding in winter to ensure saw palmetto's vitality and resilience.

Pruning: Saw palmetto, characterized by fan-shaped leaves, benefits from early spring pruning to remove dead fronds and inflorescences. Use protective gear due to sharp leaf edges, and sanitize tools to prevent diseases. Proper pruning enhances growth, aesthetics, and reduces pest issues, ensuring saw palmetto remains healthy.

Propagation: Saw palmetto is primarily propagated by sowing in spring, with moderate difficulty. Indicators of success include new leaf growth. Proper seed stratification is essential for optimal germination rates.

Repotting: Repot saw palmetto every 1-2 years in early spring, using a slightly larger pot with good drainage for root expansion. Provide bright, indirect light and moderate watering post-repotting. Handle carefully due to sharp leaf margins to ensure healthy recovery.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Saw palmetto

Attributes of Saw palmetto

Culture

Quickly Identify Saw palmetto

Care Guide for Saw palmetto

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases