Xeriscape Landscape Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
Pictures, Photos, And Planting Information,
Succulents

Desert Spoon, Dasylirion wheeleri

Desert Spoon, Dasylirion wheeleri, Arrowhead Ranch, March 23, 2006.

Desert Spoon, Dasylirion wheeleri, Arrowhead Ranch, February 2, 2006.

Desert Spoon, Dasylirion wheeleri	Desert Spoon, Dasylirion wheeleri

Desert Spoon Dasylirion wheeleri, Agave Family ( Agaveae or Agavaceae ), Desert Spoon. Also called: Sotol, Blue Sotol, Grey Sotol, Common Sotol, and Desert Candle. Sotol has leathery yucca - like leaves, with tiny hooked thorns along the margins, growing from a central point. Eventually the plant forms a rounded 5 - 6 foot ball of spiked foliage, from which a thick woody bloom stalk, up to 10-15 feet tall, emerges bearing cup shaped silvery - green to cream white flowers. The leaves form at the base with a spoon-shape that gives the plant its name. Height: 5 feet tall. It spreads to about 5 feet. Flowers: A large stalk emerges from the center of the plant, it becomes 9 to 15 feet tall. Then small cup shaped silvery - green flowers emerge from the spike in the summer. Blooming Time: Phoenix Arizona, Mid May - June. Leaves: The leaves are silver green or bluish-green with flat elongated blades, 2 - 3 1/2 feet long, the margins are toothed. Found: Native to Arizona, New Mexico, Western Texas, and Northwest Mexico. Elevation: 3,000 - 6,000 Feet. In Arizona. Habitat: It grows well in sand, sandy loam, clay and other heavy soils. It needs good drainage and aeration. Takes full sun; takes reflected heat. Miscellaneous: Maintenance: Low. Photos Taken March 23, 2006 Arrowhead Ranch.