MONDAY EDITION OF "ASK THE ARBORIST"

During my recent vacation to Birmingham, AL your "Ask the Arborist" editor surprised his Mom with a Mothers Day gift of a Sago Palm.  Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) is also know by other common names such as King Sago, Sago Cycad or Japanese Sago Palm.  Literature cited from "Wikipedia"  Sago Palm is a species of gymnosperms which includes conifers and Ginko Trees to name a few of Sago Palms cousins.
Sago Palms are native to southern Japan and it is used to produce sago (a starch extract that is a major staple food for the lowland peoples of New Guinea).
As you can see from my Alabama photo Sago Palm is a very symmetrical plant with a crown of dark green leaves on a shaggy woody trunk.  It is considered for the most part a subterranean plant making it an ideal indoor plant choice.
Interestingly, even though it is called a palm, it is really a Cycad.   They both represent two different plant groups,  The true palms are considered Monocotyledons like grasses and corn.  The Cycads are considered Dicotyledons which include most trees and flowering plants.
Sago Palm enjoys the warm climates of USDA hardiness Zones 8 - 11.  Our Newtown, CT zone 6A is not suitable for growing the Sago Palm outside, but it is a great indoor plant.  Full sun - part shade is best for this plant.  Care needs to be taken to water about every two weeks.  Over Watering can result in root rot, because these are not true palm trees.  Also care should be taken with small children, dogs and cats to prevent ingestion.
As with all your trees, contact your local Licensed Arborist for more advice on the care of all your trees.
Jeff Cowden   jeff@yackoandsons.com