The saw palmetto is an extremely durable plant because it requires very little water and care grows in either full sun or partial, shade and partially resists fire. The fronds will burn but grow back rapidly, reaching their full size in just a few weeks, whereas the trunk would take ages to recover because it grows less than one inch. Every year saw palmetto plants have a variety of uses, including edible berries and stems and thick fronds, that native americans used for making roofs.

The palm gets its name from the saw-like spines along the leaf stock, which are sharp enough to cut skin or clothing.