In my personal experience, they don't do very well with drought and spear pull. They don't seem as hardy as one might think, but rabbits love 'em!

With the appearance and general native area of Serenoa, one would think they would be as hardy as the hardiest Sabals and needle palms, but for whatever reason, it is not. It is hardy to zone 8b longterm, but just barely. Looking at the native range in FL, Serenoa actually makes it a bit further north and west than Sabal palmetto, yet unlike the latter species, Serenoa does not make it north to SE North Carolina. Who know what the reason for this is. Maybe Serenoa seed just does not germinate in the lower average temps experienced in Coastal South and North Carolina (it is native to a small portion of southernmost South Carolina).

With the appearance and general native area of Serenoa, one would think they would be as hardy as the hardiest Sabals and needle palms, but for whatever reason, it is not. It is hardy to zone 8b longterm, but just barely. Looking at the native range in FL, Serenoa actually makes it a bit further north and west than Sabal palmetto, yet unlike the latter species, Serenoa does not make it north to SE North Carolina. Who know what the reason for this is. Maybe Serenoa seed just does not germinate in the lower average temps experienced in Coastal South and North Carolina (it is native to a small portion of southernmost South Carolina).