Cycas revoluta Picture of King Sago cycad taken by DanielCD on 4/9/05. This one is growing in Humble, Texas (SE Texas). Binomial name: Cycas revoluta. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0
Although lovely to look at and a common sight in gardens throughout the South, few plants pack a deadlier punch to dogs than the Sago Palm.Long sought as a decorative plant in warmer climes, Cycas Revoluta has only in recent years had its profound toxicity brought to light through the diligence of veterinarians around the country and websites such as the ASPCA Poison Control Center.These efforts, unfortunately, have proven too little too late for countless dogs over the years, and thanks to the plant’s growing popularity no end to the carnage is in sight.
A native of Japan, the Sago is actually a cycad, and it can live a century or more in the proper environment.Its range can stretch as far north as Tennessee and it thrives in a variety of temperate to subtropical regions.The Sago’s worst characteristic by far, however, is its palatability to pets.Combining low-to-the-ground fronds within easy reach of the smallest dog with an appealing taste and smell spells doom for your pet unless quick veterinary action is taken.Unfortunately, in up to seventy-five percent of the cases, it’s too little too late. Click here for a discussion of symptoms and potential outcomes.
Locally, several specimens survive despite Knoxville’s sometimes harsh winter temperatures, and multiple retailers carry them as outdoor ornamentals.When one area nursery owner was asked about the plant, they were shocked at its toxicity and immediately took steps to educate their customers on the dangers posed by the plant. Gardeners, nurseries, and landscapers care about what they plant and sell, so don't hesitate to politely inform them of a plant's dangers.
It is also important to note that the Sago Palm is considered toxic to humans and should be treated as such.The colorful red seeds and bright green fronds are appealing to the eye and easily accessible to small children, and their effects are well documented. In addition, many residents of East Tennessee vacation in coastal regions of the southeast, and many vacation properties are host to these deadly but beautiful plants. Families with children or pets are encouraged to inquire with property owners and management before making reservations to determine if this danger lurks nearby.
Please don’t let your beloved family pet become another statistic.If you’re thinking of getting a Sago Palm, don’t.If you’ve got one, get rid of it.Dig it up, bag it, and bury it in the landfill.Remove all traces of it from your yard, including leaves, fronds, stems, bark, and especially seeds.One owner whose dog barely survived acute sago palm poisoning went so far as to pour a concrete patio over the area where the offending plant had been. This is no joke.Your dog’s life may depend on it.
Wow, who knew? I grew up with these in Southern California. They have been very, very popular here for many years and are even worth so much money that people STEAL them from yards! Can you believe that? Well, I hope whoever does that kind of thing will get sick from the plants. Hahaha! Just kidding, that's bad karma. Anyhow, thanks for the article, we'll keep it in mind.
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Wow, who knew? I grew up with these in Southern California. They have been very, very popular here for many years and are even worth so much money that people STEAL them from yards! Can you believe that? Well, I hope whoever does that kind of thing will get sick from the plants. Hahaha! Just kidding, that's bad karma. Anyhow, thanks for the article, we'll keep it in mind.
-Rene (Tripawds.com)
Thanks for the comment, Rene. Give Wyatt Ray a big pet on the head from me and Shiva the Red Dog!
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