Saw Palmetto
Serenoa repens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Saw Palmetto is a native evergreen shrub found throughout the southeastern United States from South Carolina to Louisiana. This drought-tolerant palm relative blooms in April and May, attracting bees and beetles.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Saw Palmetto as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–120" H × 36"–240" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Saw palmetto is a slow-growing native palm with fan-shaped leaves that forms dense clumps over time. This drought-tolerant shrub produces clusters of small white flowers in spring followed by dark berries. It thrives in sandy soils and coastal conditions.
Growing Saw Palmetto
Grow Saw Palmetto in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 120 inches tall and spread 36 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Saw Palmetto takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Can appear wild and unmanicured
- Very large mature spread may overwhelm typical residential spaces
- Slow growth means long establishment period
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles, while the berries provide food for birds and small mammals. The dense foliage offers nesting sites and shelter for various wildlife species.
Common questions
- Where does Saw Palmetto naturally grow?
- Saw Palmetto is native to the southeastern coastal plain, naturally occurring in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina.
- When does Saw Palmetto bloom?
- Saw Palmetto produces flowers during April and May, with small yellowish-white blooms arranged in branched clusters.
- What pollinators visit Saw Palmetto flowers?
- Saw Palmetto flowers attract various bees and beetles, which serve as the primary pollinators for this native shrub.
- What growing conditions does Saw Palmetto prefer?
- Saw Palmetto thrives in full sun to partial sun conditions and tolerates drought well, making it suitable for low-water landscapes in appropriate climate zones.
- Is Saw Palmetto toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Saw Palmetto as toxic to livestock.
- Is Saw Palmetto HOA-friendly?
- Saw Palmetto takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Saw Palmetto? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz