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Dasylirion wheeleri

Grey Desert Spoon, Sotol

Plant photo of: Dasylirion wheeleri
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Information by: George Hull MSN        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

Grey desert spoon requires little maintenance and is popular in desert themed gardens. Plants tolerate drought, reflected heat and poor soils. It slowly develops a short, thick trunk while reaching 6' tall and wide. Leaves look like swords, are 3' long gray-green with thorns on the margins. During late spring to summer, an erect stem of white creamy flowers emerge from the center, up to 10' high. This long lived plant needs well draining soil. Do not plant near walkways.

 

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Height Range

6-12'

Flower Color

White

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Grey Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Tropical

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Specimen, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Background, Foundation, Roadside, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.