Leaves
The leaves of the Saw Palmetto are palmate, up to three and ½-feet wide and are divided into many stiff, tapering segments. The petiole can be three to four-feet long and has three sides with small, sharp teeth on its margins.

Flowers
The Saw Palmetto flowers are small, whitish, and found on branched stalks that can reach up to three and a ½-feet long.

Fruit
Fruit is yellow-greenish in color and darkens to black as it reaches maturity by summer.

Bark
Bark is comprised of the old bases of past leaves and brown-colored fiber.

Propagation
Saw Palmetto is propagated by seed.

Landscape usage
This plant gives a natural feeling to the landscape. Plant saw palmettos in front of clumps of larger palms, or even underneath large palms. They look good massed in clumps in mixed borders, or as framing hedges. Use as accents to trees or in foundation plantings. Because it is difficult to transplant, it should be left undisturbed when clearing land.

Interesting Facts
The Saw Palmetto is a food source for the Florida Black Bear. The endangered grasshopper sparrow nests in association with the Saw Palmetto, and the Florida Panther enjoys palmetto as a daytime rest sites.  The berries of saw palmetto were used by natives to treat enlarged prostate glands, as a diuretic tone to the bladder, and to improve other disorders of the urinary system. 

Fruit of the Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto fronds

For more detailed information on this plant go to:
Volusia Extension