Serenoa repens (blue form)

A stunning silver-blue native palm with architectural form, resilience, and rich ecological history.

Serenoa repens, commonly known as Saw Palmetto, is a hallmark of the Deep South’s sandy pinelands and coastal plains—but this rare glaucous blue form, native to the east coast of Florida, elevates the species to new ornamental heights. With its silvery-blue fan-shaped foliage, this striking selection adds texture, color, and native flair to sunny or lightly shaded landscapes.

Typically forming low, spreading clumps, Saw Palmetto often features decumbent (horizontal) trunks, though in some instances it can grow upright to 10 feet or more. The stiff, radiating leaves emerge in a symmetrical fan, creating a bold, tropical look. Each petiole bears small saw-toothed edges—a subtle but historically significant feature that once helped this plant earn its name.

The blue-leafed form is especially prized for its glaucous, metallic hue, offering year-round interest and excellent contrast against green-leaved natives. Ideal for sandy, well-drained soils, this palm is highly drought-tolerant, fire-adapted, and thrives in the warmer zones of the Southeastern United States—from coastal gardens to inland restorations.

In addition to its landscape value, Saw Palmetto bears black drupes rich in medicinal history, long used in traditional herbal remedies and studied for their potential prostate health benefits.

Native Range: Southeastern U.S.; glaucous form primarily in east-central Florida
Foliage: Fan-shaped, stiff, silvery-blue (glaucous); evergreen
Height: Typically 2–6 ft; occasionally up to 10 ft with age
Spread: Clumping and spreading habit
Wildlife & Medicinal Value: Berries attract wildlife; historically used for herbal medicine
Notable Traits: Drought-tolerant, fire-resistant, striking blue foliage, native to the Southeastern U.S.
Garden Uses: Xeriscaping, native plant gardens, wildlife habitat, groundcover, coastal and sandy landscapes