Ponytail Palm

Beaucarnea recurvata

Family: AsparagaceaeZones: 10a-11b

Not a true palm (Asparagaceae, a yucca/agave relative)
succulent houseplant

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not documented as a food plant in the sources checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA lists Beaucarnea recurvata by name (as 'Pony Tail') as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. NC State's species page independently confirms non-toxic for cats, horses, and dogs. This is an exact-species match on both sources. Important: this non-toxic verdict applies only to this species: it must never be extended to the true palm that shares its 'Bottle Palm' nickname (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis), which PlotAndPetal's own bottle-palm entry leaves without a verdict rather than borrowing one across that naming confusion.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for The separate 'Bottle Palm' guide (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis, a true palm): both plants are genuinely called 'Bottle Palm,' and ASPCA's own 'Bottle Palm' page is actually about THIS species. To tell them apart: Growth form: this species (Beaucarnea recurvata) has a swollen, water-storing base and strappy leaves; Hyophorbe lagenicaulis has feathery pinnate fronds on a true palm trunk.. A plant sold or labeled 'Bottle Palm' could be either species: check the botanical name and growth form before assuming which one you have.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: 10a-11b
Water needs: Drought tolerant; deep but infrequent watering in summer, minimal in winter.
Mature size: 6-8 ft tall in containers, up to 30 ft in native habitat; 3-5 ft wide.
Where it comes from: Mexico (Oaxaca, Puebla, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Veracruz)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon