Desert spoon (sotol) Dasylirion wheeleri
Desert spoon (sotol) (Dasylirion wheeleri) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asparagaceae family, native to Chihuahuan and Sonoran desert grasslands and slopes. It grows 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) tall and 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Desert spoon (sotol) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Desert spoon (sotol) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 48 °C (118 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: roasted heart (sotol spirit) |
| Native to | Chihuahuan and Sonoran desert grasslands and slopes |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Desert spoon (sotol) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Not known to be toxic; leaf edges have hooked teeth.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Desert spoon (sotol)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Desert spoon (sotol) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- The Huntington (6 plants)
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (3 plants)
- Desert Botanical Garden (15 plants)
- Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden (3 plants)
Questions about Desert spoon (sotol)
- How far apart should I plant Desert spoon (sotol)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft).
- Does Desert spoon (sotol) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Desert spoon (sotol) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Desert spoon (sotol)?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Desert spoon (sotol) flower?
- From about June for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Desert spoon (sotol) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be toxic; leaf edges have hooked teeth.
- What grows well with Desert spoon (sotol)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Desert spoon (sotol). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Desert Botanical Garden plant collections and trails, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Desert plant: needs sharp drainage and little summer water once established; rots in wet, heavy soil.
- A spherical fountain of narrow blue-grey leaves with spoon-shaped bases; repeat-flowering (unlike agaves) on tall stalks.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana