Dasylirion acrotrichum, also known as Great Desert Spoon, Frayed Sotol , or Green Sotol, is a striking, evergreen succulent with a rosette of long, narrow leaves that fray fluffy at the ends (hence “acrotrichum” = ending in hairs).

Origin

• Occurs naturally in Mexico (especially northern and central Mexico, Chihuahuan Desert and other arid areas) and sometimes mentioned as far as Guatemala.
• Grows in arid, dry habitats such as deserts, dry scrub, rocky slopes, dry riverbeds, and hills with porous, well-drained soils.
• Adapted to extreme drought, heat and sometimes frost, related to the Yucca and Agave.

Care

• Grows slowly to a rosette 1–1.5 metres wide and after years a short, thick trunk up to 1.5–2 metres high, leaves long, leathery, green, with sharp, hook-shaped teeth along the edges and fraying at the tip.
• Prefers full sun, tolerates heat and reflected heat excellently.
• Plant in very well-drained, dry to poor soil (sandy, gravelly, rocky); pH neutral to slightly alkaline; Avoid heavy clay or wet feet (root rot risk).
• Watering: extremely drought tolerant; give sparingly, only during settlement or in case of prolonged drought; allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water in the crown (crown rot).
• Winter hardiness: fairly frost-resistant (up to about -6 to -12 °C for established plants and dry conditions, apply mulch in colder zones or overwinter frost-free as a container plant.
• Fertilization: little to none; in case of emergency in spring/late summer, a quarter strength cactus/succulent fertilizer; avoid over-fertilization.
• Pruning: remove dead or damaged leaves; otherwise, leave intact.

Usage

• Mainly ornamental plant appreciated for architectural form, symmetry and dramatic rosette; Perfect for drought-resistant gardens, rock gardens, desert landscapes or as an accent in borders/pots.
• Traditional use by indigenous peoples: leaves for weaving baskets, mats and ropes.