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Older sago with a female bloom.
Palm, Sago
Cycas revoluta
Sago Palm, is not a true palm but a cycad—an ancient plant group prized for its bold, symmetrical rosettes of stiff, glossy green fronds. Native to southern Japan, it brings a strong tropical and architectural presence to Texas landscapes. Its slow growth and formal shape make it especially popular in entryways, courtyards, and foundation plantings.
Sago Palm performs best in full sun to part shade. In Central Texas, light afternoon protection can help prevent leaf scorch, especially on newly planted specimens. It prefers well-drained soils and tolerates neutral to slightly alkaline conditions, but drainage is critical, as consistently wet or poorly drained soils can quickly lead to root rot. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.
In the landscape, Cycas revoluta is most often used as a specimen plant or grouped accent. Mature plants typically reach 3–6 feet tall and wide, developing a thick trunk over time. When planting in groups, spacing 4–6 feet apart allows room for full frond development. It is generally deer resistant due to its stiff foliage.
Sago Palm is highly toxic if ingested, including the leaves, trunk, and especially the seeds. All parts contain compounds that are dangerous to pets and people, with even small amounts posing serious risk to dogs.
In Central Texas, recurring winter freezes have made Sago Palm less popular in recent years. While the trunk usually survives typical freeze events, the foliage often turns yellow or brown and must be removed in spring. Because Sago Palms typically produce only one flush (ring) of new growth per year (occasionally two under ideal conditions) recovery can be slow and may take a full growing season for the plant to look full again. Planting in protected microclimates and providing freeze protection can reduce winter damage, but customers should expect periodic cosmetic setback in colder winters.
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Architectural specimen |
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Slow growing |
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Highly toxic |
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Height:3-6 Feet
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Spread:3-6 Feet
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Spacing:4-6 feet
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USDA Hardiness Zone 8b
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| PLM-SAG-01 |
#001 PALM, SAGO |
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| PLM-SAG-05 |
#005 PALM, SAGO |
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| PLM-SAG-15 |
#015 PALM, SAGO |
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| PLM-SAG-30 |
#030 PALM, SAGO |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Full Sun |
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Full Sun to Part Shade |
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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Toxic to Pets
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Seeds |
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Leaves |
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Fruits |
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Branches |
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Roots |
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