Couch Grass (Elymus repens) vs Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Couch Grass (Elymus repens)

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

About

Couch grass is a vigorous perennial growing to 32 inches with a long, creeping rhizome, slender leaves, and erect spikes bearing green flowers aligned in two rows. Found in Europe, the Americas, northern Asia, and Australia, it is an invasive weed harvested throughout the year. In times of famine, the root was roasted and ground as a substitute for coffee and flour.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), also known as Sabal serrulata, is a small, slow-growing palm (to about 20 ft / 6 m) bearing fan-like fronds and white flowers that develop into dark purple to black berries. It is promoted as a dietary supplement for urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH). NCCIH says saw palmetto is probably not helpful for urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Safety & precautions

Ask a qualified professional before medicinal use.

Pregnancy, Nursing, Hormone-Sensitive Cancers: Avoid due to hormonal effects. Medication Interactions: Consult a health provider if using other drugs for hormonal balance, bleeding disorders, or blood pressure issues.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.