Landscape Uses
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South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Saw Palmetto is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Virtually no supplemental irrigation once established. Water 1-2x per week during first 6 months of establishment only. After establishment, rainfall is entirely sufficient. One of the most drought-tolerant native plants in Florida. SFWMD drought exempt as Florida native. Overwatering established specimens promotes disease — avoid.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Palm fertilizer 8-2-12 with micronutrients if deficiency observed — generally not needed
Schedule: Not required as established Florida native. Light slow-release palm fertilizer in March if deficiency observed.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 2–7 ft
- Mature Width
- 5–15 ft
- Growth Rate
- very-slow
- Water Demand
- 1/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $$
- USDA Zones
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 7/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Saw Palmetto at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Saw Palmetto grow in South Florida?
Saw Palmetto has a very-slow growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Saw Palmetto safe for pets?
Yes, Saw Palmetto is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. IMPORTANT: Saw palmetto berries are used in herbal supplements — they are not toxic but dogs that eat quantities of berries may experience GI upset. Serrated leaf stems are a physical hazard for animals that brush against them.
How much water does Saw Palmetto need in South Florida?
Low water needs (1/10). Once established (12–18 months), Saw Palmetto is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Saw Palmetto tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Saw Palmetto has high salt tolerance (8/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.
Is Saw Palmetto available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Saw Palmetto is classified as: protected. Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statute 720.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statute 720.3075.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Florida native — protected. Excellent for Broward County native and naturalistic landscape applications.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Florida native — protected. Excellent for Palm Beach County native and coastal restoration.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Florida native — protected. Extremely common in Collier County's pine flatwoods and coastal areas.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Florida native — protected. Common in Florida Keys coastal uplands.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
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Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Saw Palmetto
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.