Sago cycad (Cycas revoluta) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Sago , often called sago palm, is a landscape plant grown in warm parts of the United States, but it is a cycad rather than a true palm. Its stiff leaflets and thick trunk make it easy to spot, and all parts are poisonous if eaten.

Appearance

Appearance: A crown of dark green leaves rises from a thick, rough trunk.
Leaves: Each arching leaf carries many narrow, stiff leaflets with edges curled backward.

Look-alikes

Cardboard plantZamia furfuracea

Cardboard plant has broader, oval leaflets and usually a very short trunk. Sago cycad has much narrower, needlelike leaflets on a more obvious thick trunk.

Why they get mixed upBoth are cycads grown in warm U.S. landscapes.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: landscaped yards
patios
indoor pots
Range: Native to East Asia, it is grown outdoors in warm parts of the United States, including Florida and California, and indoors in colder areas.

Life cycle

Reproduction: Male and female structures grow on separate plants. A female plant needs pollen from a male plant to make seeds.

Cautions

Cautions: The seeds and other parts are toxic to people and pets if swallowed.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: In Florida landscapes, its pointed leaflets can scratch people walking close to it.

12 sources