Scientific Name
Dasylirion acrotrichum (Schiede) Zucc.
Common Names
Great Desert Spoon, Green Sotol, Spoon Yucca
Synonyms
Yucca acrotricha, Dasylirion acrotriche, Barbacenia gracilis, Bonapartea gracilis, Dasylirion gracile, Dasylirion graminifolium, Dasylirion robustum, Roulinia acrotricha, Roulinia gracilis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Dasylirion
Description
Dasylirion acrotrichum is an exotic-looking succulent shrub with grasslike leaves symmetrically radiating in a rosette from a central core that elongates into decumbent trunks. The rosette is up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall with an equal diameter. Leaves up to 40 inches (1 m) long and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) across. Small white flowers appear on up 15 feet (4.6 m) tall spike in mid-summer.
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.
Origin
Native to the Chihuahuan Desert and other xeric habitats in northern and central Mexico.
Links
- Back to genus Dasylirion
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
