Dasylirion longissima

Toothless Desert Spoon

OVERVIEW:

Native to the Mexican states of Hidalgo and Queretaro, the Dasylirion Longissima is a beautifully symmetric focal point in any xeriscape environment. Once fully mature, the trunk could be anywhere from 6- 10’ tall and 3-4’ wide! On the trunk are 4-6’ long green, grass like leaves that create an almost perfect circle. The leaves are toothless making it easy to maintain nut also be food to many small animals.

CLASSIFICATION:

Botanical Name: Dasylirion Longissima

Common Name: Mexican grass tree, smooth desert spoon, smooth leaf sotol

Family: Asparagaceae

Suggested Uses: Cactus garden, native xeriscape, containers

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 4-5’

Width: 4-6’

Flower: grows a 10- 20’ stalk that produces red or pink buds that bloom white

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

Bloom Period: blooms very infrequently in summer

Fruit: NA

ENVIRONMENT:

USDA Zone: 8b-10b

Hardiness: hardy to 15° F

Sun: full sun

Water: water once a week, reduce in winter

Soil: fast draining, rocky soil preferred