Sotol, Common sotol, Bear Grass, Common Sotol, Desert Spoon
Dasylirion wheeleri
Family: Agavaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Rounded.
Dasylirion wheeleri is an evergreen Tree growing to 1.5 m (5ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Open, rocky slopes at elevations of 1200 - 1900 metres in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico .
South-western N. America - Arizona to Texas and Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The central part of the plant can be cooked and eaten. The crown of the plant was baked by the native North American Indians then dried, pounded into a powder and made into cakes. They would also peel the baked crown, crush it, mix it with water then ferment it and use it as a beverage. The flowering stems can be roasted, boiled or eaten raw. The trunk is rich in sugar, the pith can be used to make the alcoholic beverage 'sotol'.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The leaves are used in thatching, basket making, weaving into hats, mats etc.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
Thatching: Used for making thatched roofs.
Weaving: Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Specimen. Requires a very well-drained soil in a sheltered sunny position. This species is not very cold hardy, and is said to require a minimum winter temperature of 10°c, However, plants can survive outdoors in the very mildest areas of Britain if given some protection such as a south facing wall and a suitable soil. Plants are sometimes used in sub-tropical bedding schemes in Britain. Special Features:Attractive foliage, North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; South Wall. By.
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist