Dasylirion acrotiche

Green Desert Spoon

OVERVIEW:

Although now a staple plant for the Southwest landscape, The Dasylirion Acrotriche in Mexico and Guatemala. Much like the D. Wheeleri, the Acrotriche grow on a trunk about 3-4’ tall and wide with 3’ long leaves. However, the D. Acrtoriche displays leaves that are a vibrant green with sharp teeth and stuffed ends, making it easily distinguishable. Because of the sharp roughness of the leaves, animals will steer clear as not to hurt themselves. Also, every few years the Dasylirion Acrotriche will bud pink and bloom gorgeous creamy white flowers atop a 15’ stalk.

CLASSIFICATION:

Botanical Name: Dasylirion Acrtriche

Common Name: Green Desert Spoon

Family: Nolinaceae

Suggested Uses: Cactus garden, native xeriscape, containers

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 4-6’

Width: 3’

Flower: grows a 10- 15’ stalk that produces red or pink buds that bloom white flowers

Dioecious- an individual plant can produce either all male or all female flowers

Bloom Period: blooms very infrequently late spring- summer

Fruit: NA

ENVIRONMENT:

USDA Zone: 8-10

Hardiness: hardy to low 20° F

Sun: full sun

Water: water once a week, reduce in winter

Soil: well draining rocky, sandy soil