The Fire Ecology of Saw Palmetto

Abstract

This publication informs fire and natural resources managers as well as other interested people about the relationship between saw palmetto and fire. Saw palmetto is a palm native to the southeastern United States. Like other southeastern palms, saw palmetto thrives in frequently burned environments. Its highly combustible dead leaves fuel fires, after which saw palmetto benefits from the post-fire environment, exhibiting increased growth, resprouting, and induction of flowering. Saw palmettos can survive fires because of their well-insulated buds and waxy leaves. The meristem, where new growth originates, is located inside the top of the stem-like rhizome. Younger leaves grow in the center under several layers of older leaves. Old leaves persist over time and insulate and protect the meristem. This publication includes best management practices for managing saw palmetto to reduce fire hazard and maintain the health of saw palmetto and the entire the landscape.