Scientific Name
Dasylirion acrotrichum (Schiede) Zucc.
Common Name(s)
Great Desert Spoon, Green Sotol, Spoon Yucca
Synonym(s)
Dasylirion robustum, Roulinia acrotricha, Yucca acrotricha
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Dasylirion
Description
Dasylirion acrotrichum is an ornamental, slow-growing succulent shrub with grasslike leaves that radiate symmetrically from a central core or decumbent trunk, forming a perfectly rounded rosette. The rosette is 6 feet (1.8 m) in diameter. Leaves are green, narrow with prominent marginal spines, up to 3.3 feet (1 m) long, and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) across.
A dramatic, up to 15 feet (4.6 m) tall spike with small white to cream-colored flowers appears in mid-summer. The plant will only bloom after 7 to 10 years and then will not bloom every year after that.
Origin
Dasylirion acrotrichum is native to the Chihuahuan Desert and other xeric habitats in northern and central Mexico.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Dasylirions are slow-growing, carefree, and durable, drought-tolerant plants. However, they grow faster if watered well (don't water the crown, though they rot easily). In the garden, they should be placed in a sunny, well-drained area with additional summer water in dry climates.
These make great specimen plants for xeriscape gardens and blend well in either tropical or arid gardens. Small plants are relatively inexpensive, but larger ones are a fortune. These make excellent potted specimens, and their symmetrical form provides a striking focal point.
They thrive best in full sun but can be grown with some shade and humidity. Plant in very fast-draining soil and provide little or no water in winter. Treat like a succulent. Best where winter temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C) but can take some periods of frost. Plants in containers can be moved inside during longer cold spells.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Dasylirion.
Links
- Back to genus Dasylirion
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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