DASYLIRION ACROTRICHUM

Botanical Name: Dasylirion acrotrichum
Common Names: Green Sotol, Desert Spoon
Mature Size: 3–5 feet (1–1.5 meters) in height, 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates rocky, sandy, and nutrient-poor substrates
Water Needs: Low; extremely drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Dense rosette of long, narrow, bright green leaves with finely toothed edges and fibrous tips
Flowers: Tall central stalk (up to 12 feet / 3.5 meters) with cream to light green blooms, typically emerging after several years
Growth Rate: Moderate

Uses:

Ornamental Plant: Dasylirion acrotrichum is admired for its bold, symmetrical form and vibrant green foliage, making it ideal for xeriscapes, desert gardens, and modern landscapes.

Xeriscaping: Thrives in arid environments and is an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes due to its high drought resistance and minimal maintenance needs.

Traditional Uses: In some regions of Mexico, it has cultural significance and is occasionally used in the artisanal production of sotol, a distilled spirit similar to mezcal.

Benefits:

Drought Resistance: Perfectly adapted to hot, dry climates and needs very little irrigation once established.
Low Maintenance: Very hardy and pest-resistant, with occasional removal of dried leaves being the only regular care.
Ecological Value: The towering flowering spike can attract pollinators such as bees and birds.
Architectural Presence: Offers dramatic vertical and textural contrast in arid landscapes, while maintaining its form year-round.

Dasylirion acrotrichum is a robust, visually striking succulent that delivers structure, color, and ecological benefit to dry-climate gardens. Its unique form, low water requirements, and adaptability make it a standout plant in sustainable and design-forward landscapes.