Dasylirion texanum (Texas Sotol, Sotol)
Botanical Information
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Dasylirion |
| Species | texanum |
| Synonyms | Dasylirion texanum var. aberrans |
| Category | Perennials, Tropicals |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | Native to central and southwestern Texas and in Coahuila state of northeastern Mexico, including the Chihuahuan Desert. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | The sugary pulp in the centre of the bud can be eaten. Dasylirion was once a major food source in the desert southwest of North America. The buds were roasted in rock-lined pits and pounded into cakes. A potent alcoholic beverage, known as sotol, is distilled from the baked and fermented buds. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 7a to 11b |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H6 - H1c |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | (?17.8) - 10 |
| Temperature (°F) | 0 - 50 |
| Growth | Slow |
| Flowering Period | June, July |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | A grass-like plant, typically smaller than other Dasylirions, with light green leaves, a short trunk and spectacular flower stalks up to 4.5 m tall. |
| Landscape | These make excellent potted specimens, and their symmetrical form provides a striking focal point. |
| Cultivation | Grows best in full sun, but can be grown with some shade and humidity. |
| Notable Specimens | Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America. |
| Habitat | Rocky and gravelly desert areas. Open, rocky limestone slopes, arroyos and canyons, and dry limestone hills. |
| Leaf Description | Slender individual up to 90 cm long and 1.3 cm wide, spreading from a central trunk that is sometimes partially buried underground. |
| Fruit Description | Evergreen foliage. |
Photographs
Dasylirion texanum, form, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.