Desert
Spoon, SotolDesert
Spoon, SotolThis evergreen desert native makes a fine accent plant. It grows slowly but will fill a six foot square area in five to ten years. The frayed tip adds to its appeal. It's common name comes from the spoon shape at the base of the leaves. The gray-green vegetation has a chartreuse edge.
Hardy to 0 to 10F.
Drought tolerant. Make sure completely established before turning off irrigation. May need addition water in summer to keep looking good.
Full sun to open shade. Will tolerate reflected heat if given more irrigation.
Any soil with good drainage.
Periodic to remove old bloom stalks.
None if planted in the proper place.
Many tiny creamy blooms on a tall stalk in late spring to late summer. Takes a long time to bloom. Unlike Agaves, the plant will not die after it blooms.
Native Americans use this plant for food, fiber and an alcoholic beverage.
Native of the Southwest and northern Mexico. Member of the Agavaceae family
D. acrotriche (green desert spoon, green sotol) is slightly larger and greener so it looks at home in tropical effects as well.
Native, Desert Grassland, Desert, Desert Transitional, Subtropical.