Serenoa repens (Bartram) Small. Saw Palmetto. Phen: May-Jul; Oct-Nov. Hab: Pine flatwoods, maritime forests, pine rocklands and Florida dry prairie. Xeric longleaf pine sandhills and scrubby flatwoods (c. FL). Also used horticulturally, especially the Dist: Se. SC (in maritime forests in Charleston and Colleton counties, and in spodosolic flatwoods in Beaufort and Jasper counties) south to s. FL and west to e. LA.

Origin/Endemic status: Endemic

Taxonomy Comments: The species has variation in leaf color caused by differences in epicuticular waxiness, with green and gray (blue) forms. The gray forms are often found on coastal dunes.

Other Comments: Serenoa forms extensive clonal patches, connected by underground rhizomes, and is a dominant plant in many parts of FL, in pine flatwoods, sandhills, or scrub. It is geoxylic, and resprouts rapidly after fire. The fruit of this prostrate plant are purported to promote prostate health.

Synonymy: = FNA22, GW1, K1, K3, RAB, S, WH3, Zona (1997); > Serenoa arborescens Sarg. – S13; > Serenoa serrulata (Michx.) Hook.f. – S13

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU

Heliophily: 7