Dasylirion texanum
Texas sotol
South-central United States and northern Mexico
Overview
Dasylirion texanum is an evergreen, rosette-forming perennial in the asparagus family, building a dense, rounded clump of leaves 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall and wide from a short, mostly underground stem. The many slender, ribbon-like leaves are 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) long and under 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, green to gray-green, with small curved teeth along the margins and a frayed, fibrous tip. Mature plants send up a narrow flowering stalk 9-15 feet (2.7-4.5 m) tall in summer, lined with dense clusters of small cream flowers. The species is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. It grows on rocky limestone slopes, ridges, and grassland in the Chihuahuan Desert and Edwards Plateau of Texas and northern Mexico. It withstands heat, drought, and cold to about 0 F (-18 C) but rots in wet, poorly drained soil. The toothed leaf margins are sharp enough to cut skin. The flowers draw bees and other insects.
Native Range
Dasylirion texanum is native to the Chihuahuan Desert region of the south-central United States and northern Mexico, centered on the Edwards Plateau and Trans-Pecos of Texas. It grows on rocky limestone slopes, ridges, and open grassland.Suggested Uses
Used in xeriscape, rock, and desert gardens and as a structural accent in dry borders within its range. The fountain-like rosette suits gravel plantings and large containers. Its sharp leaf margins keep it away from paths and play areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green to gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun with six or more hours of direct light. Sharp drainage is essential, and rocky, sandy, or gravelly soils suit it, while wet or heavy ground causes crown rot. Once established it is drought-tolerant and needs little or no supplemental water. It tolerates heat and cold to about 0 F (-18 C). Slow growth means many years pass before a flowering stalk forms. The sharp leaf teeth make placement away from walkways practical.Pruning
Pruning is limited to removing dead lower leaves and spent flowering stalks. Old leaves can be trimmed at the base to expose the trunk if a cleaner look is wanted. No regular shaping is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons