Sotol, Desert Spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri)

Sotol, Desert Spoon
Scientific Name: Dasylirion wheeleri S. Watson ex Rothr.
Family: Agavaceae

Show Larger Picture Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 10-24
USDA: 7b-11

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 5°F (-15°C)
Heat Tolerance: Excellent
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: USA (Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas), Northwest Mexico between 3000 and 6000 feet elevation (900 and 1800m)
Growth Habits: Slowly builds a trunk, up to 4 feet tall (120 cm), 5 feet in diameter(1.5 m)
Watering Needs: No water once established
Propagation: Fresh seeds in spring, or offsets

The trunk might be partially underground, the bluish-green leaves have thorns on the edges, and are characteristically twisted.
The junction of the leaf with the trunk forms a wooden spoon, hence the name.

Blooming Habits:
Blooms with very small bell-shaped white flowers on a 10 feet spike (3 m), in June, followed by fruits that mature in August.

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