saw palmetto

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

4-8 ft. tall
4-6 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought, Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Slow to grow from seed. Faster to divide off clonal growths.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 6 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves palmately compound with fine sharp teeth on the petiole.

Flowers

Small yellow to white flowers on large panicles. Fragrant.

Fruit

Drupe.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

8, 9, 10

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Longleaf pine sandhills, maritime forest, and pine flatwoods.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Apparently Secure (G4)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the South Carolina coastal plain. Absent from the sandhills, piedmont, and mountains.