Serenoa repens

Serenoa repens, the saw palmetto, is the only species of its genus: a shrubby fan palm of the south-eastern United States whose creeping, branching stems spread into large clones, some thought to be thousands of years old.

Its stiff fans range from yellowish green to silvery blue, and the leaf stalks carry fine, sharp teeth. Creamy, scented spring flowers attract bees. It is North America's most abundant palm.

At a glance

• Native range: south-eastern United States
• Mature size: usually 0.6–2.4 m
• Growth rate: slow
• Light: bright sun or partial shade
• Water: highly drought tolerant once established; dislikes soggy ground
• Cold hardiness: brief frosts to about −12 °C
• Indoors / outdoors: outdoors, including coastal gardens

Care

It grows in almost any well-drained soil, acid to strongly alkaline, and is fairly to highly tolerant of salt spray. Remove leaves only once fully brown. The toothed leaf stalks cut skin easily, so wear gloves and avoid planting it where children play.

Why Palmpedia: Greenhouse-grown by us in Almeirim, Portugal, and supplied in 15 L to 35 L pots.