Serenoa repens

sawpalmettofullsilversawpalmettofull
[Silver variety on right]
(Photos by Marcel Smith)

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Taxonomy (1)

Classification: Angiosperm, monocot
Family: Arecaceae
Common name: Saw Palmetto, Silver Saw Palmetto (Silver variety)
Varieties: Cinerea (Silver variety)

General Information (1,2,4)

Region of Origin: Southeastern United States
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 8-10; 8 (Silver variety)
Growth Habit: Tree

  • Size: 3-20 feet

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (1)

  • Shape: Fan, segmented
  • Other: 2-2.5 feet; petiole is sharply toothed

silversawpalmettoleaf
(Photo by Marcel Smith)

Inflorescence

sawpalmettoinflorescence
(Photo by Marcel Smith)

Fruit (5)

  • Fruit type: Berry-like

sawpalmettofruit
(Photo by Jessica Bartek)

Horticultural Information (2,3)

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Maintenance: Easy to care for
  • Other: Drought tolerant

Interesting Facts (4,5)

  • Fire tolerant
  • Fruit can be used to treat bladder infections and diarrhea

References

1) Wyman, D. (1969). Shrubs and vines for American gardens (Rev. and enl. ed.). [New York]: Macmillan.
2) Brickell, C., & American Horticultural Society. (2003). American Horticultural Society encyclopedia of gardening (Rev. US ed., Rev. & expanded ed.). London ; New York: DK.
3) (2001). Serenoa repens. Floridata. April 1, 2013, from http://www.floridata.com/ref/s/sere_rep.cfm. 
4) Stibolt, G. (n.d.). Palmettos in the Landscape. Floridata. April 1, 2013, from http://www.floridata.com/tracks/transplantedgardener/palmettos.cfm.
5) Health from Nature Home Remedies & Natural Cures. (2011). April 2, 2013, from http://health-from-nature.net/Saw_Palmetto.html. 

Prepared by Marcel Smith as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek