Sago Palm

Stunning Sago, its not a palm, its a cycad

Although Sago Palms resemble palm trees, they actually belong to the cycad family. They do well here in the Atlanta area as well!

 The name Sago Palm comes from their similarity to palm trees; however, they are genetically closer to pine trees than palm trees!

Native to Japan and Southern China, Sago Palm Trees are remarkably resilient and among the oldest living plants on the planet. They are often referred to as “living fossils”, because they have existed for over 10 million years, with their genetic composition largely unchanged. 

The Sago Palm is a low growing plant with a stout trunk and long, feathery leaves that resemble palm fronds. They have dark green arching leaves that form in a circular pattern from the center, giving the plant a tropical and exotic appearance. This is the reason why people refer to it as a Sago Palm tree- it looks like a compact adult palm. 

King Sago Palm trees are slow growing, easy to maintain plants that thrive both as houseplants and when planted on the ground outdoors. They are often planted in containers and used as patio palms or indoor plants. They are very adaptable, and with proper care and suitable conditions, they can live up to 200 years. 

The King Sago Palm reaches sizes of up to 10-12 feet when in hot-humid weather and planted on the ground. However, they are so slow growing it takes them up to 50 years to reach their mature height. Although they can grow up to 12 feet, they are usually found at average heights of 6-7 feet, and grow at a rate of 6-10 inches per year.

The tropical palm-like cycad makes an eye-catching specimen, accent plant, used along a border or highlighting an entryway. It also grows well in containers or as a houseplant. It is worth noting that Sago Palms are toxic to both animals and humans when ingested, especially the seed. 

If you’re looking for an exotic looking evergreen plant with an architectural beauty, the Sago Palm is perfect for you.