Scientific Name
Dasylirion wheeleri S.Watson ex Rothr.
Common Name(s)
Blue Sotol, Common Sotol, Desert Spoon, Grey Desert Spoon, Spoon Flower, Spoon Yucca
Synonym(s)
Dasylirion wheeleri var. wheeleri, Dasylirion wheeleri var. wislizeni
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Dasylirion
Etymology
The specific epithet "wheeleri" (pronounced "WHEE-ler-ee") honors George Montague Wheeler (1842-1905), an American surveyor and plant collector.
Origin
Dasylirion wheeleri is native to the United States (southern Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas) and Mexico (Sonora). It grows on rocky hillsides and in grasslands at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 feet (6,560 to 16,400 m).
Description
Dasylirion wheeleri is a robust, long-lived succulent with strap-shaped, whitish or bluish-green leaves that radiate from the center of an often reclining trunk, forming a spherical rosette. The trunk can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) long. The leaves are narrow, have a spoon-shaped base, sharp serrated margins, and can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) long. The leaf bases remain on the trunk, giving it a rough appearance.
In early summer, a stout, plume-shaped spike with tiny flowers rises from the center of the rosette, growing up to 16.4 feet (5 m) tall. This plant is dioecious, meaning it has the male and female flowers on separate plants. Therefore, the color of the flower determines the gender of the plant: mainly white-colored for males and purple-pink for females. Flowering occurs only every few years. After flowering, the rosette produces offsets at the base of the inflorescence.
How to Grow and Care for Dasylirion wheeleri
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 7a to 10b: from 0°F (-17.8°C) to 40°F (4.4°C).
Dasylirions are slow-growing, carefree, durable, drought-tolerant plants. However, they grow faster when well watered (don't water the crown, though; it rots easily). These plants should be placed in a sunny, well-drained area of the garden, with additional summer water in dry climates.
These make great specimen plants for xeriscape gardens and blend well in tropical or arid gardens. Small plants are relatively inexpensive, but larger ones are expensive. They 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 it like a succulent. They are best where winter temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C), but they can tolerate some 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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