[6] This very symmetrical plant supports a crown of shiny, dark green leaves on a thick shaggy trunk that is typically about 20 cm (7.9 in) in diameter, sometimes wider.

It can grow into very old specimens with 6–7 m (over 20 feet) of trunk; however, the plant is very slow-growing and requires about 50–100 years to achieve this height.

The crowded, stiff, narrow leaflets are 8–18 cm (3.1–7.1 in) long and have strongly recurved or revolute edges.

The petiole or stems of the sago cycad are 6–10 cm (2.4–3.9 in) long and have small protective barbs.

[citation needed] Roots are called coralloid with an Anabaena symbiosis allowing nitrogen fixation.

It is one of the most widely cultivated cycads, grown outdoors in warm temperate and subtropical regions, or under glass in colder areas.

It is fairly drought-tolerant and grows well in full sun or outdoor shade, but needs bright light when grown indoors.

C. revoluta usually defoliates in winter in this temperate climate, but will usually flush (grow) several new leaves by spring.

[citation needed] Aulacaspis yasumatsui is a scale insect feeding on C. revoluta, and unchecked is able to destroy the plant.

[16] Clinical symptoms of ingestion will develop within 12 hours, and may include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures, and liver failure or hepatotoxicity characterized by icterus, cirrhosis, and ascites.

[17] The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center estimates a fatality rate of 50 to 75% when ingestion of the sago palm is involved.