It is called the Desert Spoon since its leaves are flat and slightly cupped, holding water at its spoon shaped base where it attaches to … Leaves take on a beautiful silver-green to bluish green color. Make sure that the container is well-draining. Margins are toothed, closely resembling a saw blade. A boldly architectural plant for big drama in pots or in the ground, Dasylirion wheeleri (desert spoon or sotol) forms a dense, symmetrical rosette of long, narrow, silvery blue-green, somewhat twisted leaves with aggressively hooked teeth along the margins and attractively frayed straw-colored tips. They will produce flowers once every three to five years. The range of common sotol (dasylirion wheeleri) spans the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, and the mountains in between, and so overlaps with quite a few types of yucca and agave, but is easily recognizable for having long, narrow, flexible leaves (bluish green or yellowish green in color), lined with a dense array of small teeth; leaves of some yucca species are similar, but none bear teeth. You have to water it regularly but sparingly, during summers as that ensures optimal growth. Here are some specific care requirements for this perennial succulent. If you have them growing inside containers, move them inside during very cold spells. This is because they are fast draining. Other common names include Desert Spoon, Nolina, Beargrass, yuca, sotol (means palm) saño and palmita. Stems/Trunks/Caudex: Single, succulents, short-caulescens, unbranched up to 40 cm thick growing to 1,5 m tall (but usually so short it hardly exists ), though often recumbent on the ground. They prefer higher temperatures but will show some heat stress above 100°F. Dasylirion wheeleri looks amazing as part of a desert-themed landscape or a xeriscape garden. There are no serious growing problems with Dasylirion wheeleri. Dasylirion is one of the plants I call a southwest evergreen. However, growing it from seeds is quite a time-consuming process as germination and establishment are slow. It is a bit of a challenge in the garden as its teeth along the leaf margins are sharp and will grab clothing and skin so keep away from pathways and wear leather gloves when trimming or pulling older leaves. The leaves are a cool, grey colour with spiky, dry, caramel-brown split ends. There are no known issues of pests with this plant. Dasylirion wheeleri (Spoon Yucca) is an evergreen succulent with long gray slender serrated leaves. On a full-grown plant, the leaves are up to 4 feet long (1.2 m) and about ¾ inch to a little over 1 … The leaves are armed with small golden marginal spines which are pretty when lighted from behind. Once mature, the plants bloom with a tall, pole-like flower spike that holds on the plant for through the winter. However, give them room to grow and to allow adequate airflow between plants. Dasylirion wheeleri Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Monocots Order: Asparagales Family: Asparagaceae Subfamily: Nolinoideae Genus: Dasylirion Species: D. wheeleri Binomial name Dasylirion wheeleri S. Watson ex Rothrock Dasylirion wheeleri is a species of flowering plant in the asparagus family Asparagaceae, native to arid environments of northern Mexico, in Chihuahua and Sonora and in the southwestern United States, in the Sonoran Desert The trunk may be up to 3 feet (0.91 m) high, and is either partially buried or above ground [ 21 ]. Dasylirion wheeleri sport flat, elongated leaves. Flowering occurs only every few years with tiny pale brownish greenish male or female flowers (this is a dioecious plant bearing flowers of one sex or the other) on stout spikes 10 to 15 feet tall from the center of the leaf rosette in early summer. Wheeler’s Sotol. The 3 foot long narrow leaves are blue-gray color with sharp serrated margins and a spoon shaped base that gives the plant one of its common name. It’s beautiful gray-green color and spiky, yet the frizzy texture is emphasized when it’s planted alongside other softer shaped plants or ornamental grasses. Why are my Dasylirion wheeleri leaves turning yellow? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It’s native to the arid lands of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Home » Dasylirion Wheeleri Care: Growing Common Sotol. It’s a slow to moderate growing perennial shrub having a single trunk that has no branches. Desert spoon, common sotol or the sotol plant (Dasylirion wheeleri) is a long-lived native of the Chiahuahuan Desert of northern Mexico. Leaves are effectively armed with tiny little toothed barbs along the leaf margin. Leaves are not pointed but rather more frayed looking.Dasylirion texanum – A native of Texas. They should be grown in areas where the temperature doesn’t go below 50°F in winters. The name Dasylirion comes from the Greek: “dasy” means “shaggy” and “lirion” is lily. The leaves of Dasylirion longissimum look like giant needles, with a length of up to 6½ feet (2 m), but they are actually square (or at least 4-sided) in cross-section. Sotol or Desert spoon is an excellent Yucca relative that does amazingly well in our climate given the correct conditions. This plant is drought-tolerant and prefers dry conditions so it has little watering needs. It grows in limestone or granite hillsides in the Trans-Pecos and adjacent Mexico, north to New Mexico and Arizona. Dasylirions are short perennial shrubs with thick unbranched stems crowned with dense rosettes of leaves with flowers on tall, thin spikes. The leaves can reach 5 ft. in length (150 cm) and are adorned with golden spines along their margins. It’s upright sword-shaped leaves look stunning. After flowering the rosette branches at the base of the inflorescence to replace the flowering rosette and enabling the stem to continue to grow on. If you’re doing so, make sure that the size of the plant is large enough. 3-5 ft. tall x 4-6 ft. wide. Dasylirion acrotrichum (green sotol) is a 'green-leaf' species of sotol which gives a slightly different accent effect. Common names are from state and federal lists. Dasylirion wheeleri is a beautiful yucca-like plant with narrow silver gray-green leaves arranged in a hemispherical form. While you're here, why not follow us on Facebook and YouTube? Characteristics: Dasylirion wheeleri is an evergreen accent plant. However, light spring fertilization with a balanced formula will ensure good growth. High humidity or wet soil can lead to fungal infection in some cases. Over-watering seems to have no effect. These plants are native to hot climates and they are sun-loving. Next. Q. Its unique, long sculptural leaves make the plant perfect for focal point specimen plantings and large containers. This species of Dasylirion is a little more commonly grown in southern California (U.S.) as specimen plants or additions to xeriscapes. You can propagate the plant by seeds or by cuttings. The leaf ends tend to become frizzy, adding an overall hazy texture to the plant. Dasylirion wheeleri. A little more about me. The spiky gray leaves of common sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri) have long been used by people throughout the U.S. Southwest for texture and color contrast in the garden. The rosette sits on a stout short trunk. It comes under the family Asparagaceae. The color of the flower indicates the gender of the plant. In this article, we will be giving you a complete roundup of everything you need to know to grow and care for this attractive evergreen succulent. Dasylirion wheeleri S. Watson – common sotol Subordinate Taxa. This species is native to Arizona and northern Mexico. Prune out dried, yellow or senescent lower leaves any time of the year. Epic Gardening occasionally links to goods or services offered by vendors to help you find the best products to care for plants. During winters you can reduce the frequency of watering. Common sotol likes porous soils such as garden loam soil, sandy soil, etc. The leaves are 0.8 to 1.6 inches (2-4 cm) wide at the base and have prickles on the margins [ 24 ]. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to around 1.8 m (6ft). It is immediately recognizable by its pale blue, usually somewhat twisted, flat, heavily armed, very stiff and narrow 3'-4' leaves that end in a brownish tassel. Dasylirion quadrangulatum (Mexican grass tree) has stiff, narrow green leaves with smooth margins, more fine textured and wide spreading than others. The 3 foot long narrow leaves are blue-gray color with sharp serrated margins and a spoon shaped base that gives the plant one of its common name. Dasylirion wheeleri (Spoon Yucca) - An evergreen long lived plant with long, gray strap-shaped serrated leaves on a stout short trunk that can rise 4 to 6 feet and the spread can be about the same. The common sotol is a striking and versatile plant that can uplift xeriscape landscapes and gardens. Extremely heat tolerant. Being a slow grower, the plant does not require pruning as such. Therefore, it’s best to grow the common sotol shrub in full sun. These plants are found along dry washes, arid lands and on rocky hillsides where the soil is porous and fast draining. Dasylirion wheeleri holds on to its old leaves making a shaggy skirt. However, they can tolerate partial sun as well. Greenish yellow foliage and reddish brown teeth. The most widely cultivated species is Dasylirion wheeleri, native to southern Arizona and New Mexico, as well as the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora. The preferable pH range for the soil is 6-7. The soil should be completely dry in between waterings. The plant falls in the USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Agavaceae. Dasylirion wheeleri is one of the species in this genus. Dasylirion wheeleri is an evergreen, long-lived plant with long, gray, strap-shaped, serrated leaves on a stout, short trunk that can rise up to 6 feet (1.8 m) and the spread can be about the same. Desert Spoon or Sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri) is a long-lived native of the native Chihuahuan desert. You don’t really need to fertilize the plant. Even though this plant looks ferocious upon first sight, you can tame it and use it to add an elegant effect to your gardens. Dasylirion wheeleri (Spoon Yucca) - An evergreen long lived plant with long, gray strap-shaped serrated leaves on a stout short trunk that can rise 4 to 6 feet and the spread can be about the same. Common Name: Desert Spoon Description: Dasylirion wheeleri, commonly known as Desert Spoon is a modern-art optical treat of beautiful blue-grey leaves radiating perfectly straight out from the center with a soft little curl at the very end. Once the plant is mature, it blooms with a pole-like flower stalk. Tall flower stalks appear in summer, attracting hummingbirds. When flowering, the males grow creamy yellow flowers while females have purplish-pink flowers. Dasylirion is a small genus consisting of 18 different semi-succulent species of plants. Blades are approximately 2 - 3.5 feet long. Q. The name for the genus comes from the Greek words 'dasys', meaning "dense" , "rough" or "shaggy" and 'lirion' meaning "lily" likely in reference to the long rough leaves. This plant inhabits rocky hillsides and grasslands from 3,000 to 6,000 feet in southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico west Texas and south into Sonora Mexico. Chronically wet soil can lead to root rot. Don’t water the crown though as that may result in root rot. The slender leaves are basally clumped. this is because Dasylirion wheeleri does not like to be transplanted or repotted often. No, these plants don’t bloom every year. Different in appearance from traditional evergreen shrubs, it fulfills the same purpose in native and xeric landscapes. Dasylirion wheeleri . For a more contemporary look, you can plant it in staggered rows which will make the plant look great when it is flowering, due to the rosette color. The plant does not suffer from any particular disease. The common name refers to the ends of the leaf blades which form a spoon shape when torn off the trunk. They are also an extremely handsome focal plant. Dasylirion wheeleri Desert Spoon. This usually occurs due to root rot as these plants are quite sensitive to moisture and humidity. Previous. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. These leaf bases remain on the trunk giving it a rough appearance. Dasylirion leiophyllum – One of the smaller sotol plants at only 3 feet (.91 m.) tall. The plants cannot stand very long periods of frost. Here is more about our approach. You can remove dried spent flowers as needed. The Dasylirion wheeleri is a favorite butchering subject for landscapers. The genus has long been included in the Agave family (Agavaceae) but is now considered to be in the Nolinaceae family with Nolina and Beaucarnea. In the APG III classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Nolinoideae (formerly … Barbs lining the margins of the thick pale green leaves give Dasylirion another common name, sawtooth Dasylirion wheeleri (Desert Spoon or Common or Blue Sotol) is probably the second most commonly grown species in cultivation. Do Dasylirion wheeleri plants flower every year? A. Valued for its flat blue leaves, Dasylirion wheeleri is preferred as an outdoor landscape plant for desert gardens with a cast iron constitution. The blue-green leaves of Dasylirion wheeleri are thin rather than succulent, and their serrated margins mean that caution is in order when weeding around them. Zones 6-9. I can’t figure out what compels landscape crews to do this, as this plant looks quite nice in … A. We're always looking to improve our articles to help you become an even better gardener. The plants leaves are long almost sword like in appearance and able to reach around 90 cm (36″). Dasylirion is a genus of North American plants in the asparagus family, all native to Mexico, with the ranges of three species also extending into the south-western United States. Some of these may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if items are purchased. Pulling off leaves at the base gives you the "desert spoon." They are drought- and wind-resistant, with a tolerance for extreme heat and low temperatures. Make sure you have planted them in a well-draining soil. Description: The desert spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri) is a moderate to slow-growing mounding evergreen shrub.The grass-like succulent leaves radiate from the centre of the plant's apex in all directions. The Desert Spoon has a thick, short trunk. The leaf blades are grayish-green in color. Native to the northern Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico into Arizona and stretching to the east through New Mexico into Texas is where you will find this handsome desert dweller. 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