As you drive along the highways and byways of Indian River County, you see spiky green or grey plants with fronds up to 6 feet tall. The Saw Palmetto grows only in the United States in the southeastern region. The fragrant flowers produce cluster of berries. They are an important food source for racoons, opossums and gopher tortoises. Beekeepers find the plant fruits make a high quality honey. The dense thickets procide shelter for small animals. Fine examples of Saw Palmettos are at our entrance by the Audubon sign and in our Native Plant Garden. 

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by Joan Klimm