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Texas Sotol

Dasylirion texanum

Other common name(s):

Sotol

Family:

Asparagaceae (Asparagus Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Semiarid Edwards Plateau

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

2
to
3
ft.

Spread

3
to
4
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Limestone, Caliche

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Summer

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Hummingbirds

Maintenance

Easily grown in rock gardens. Provide well drained soil. Give lots of space. Selectively prune leaves away from sidewalks or patios to avoid sharp pointed leaves. Flowering stalks can be removed after blooming for safety or aesthetic reasons, however, consider leaving for wildlife habitat. Roots are not happy in heavy soils or moist conditions; mineral or rock mulches better than organic mulches to allow air to the roots.

Comments

Blooms May-July. Basal cluster of long blade-like leaves with sharp edges. Flower stalk 9-15 ft tall, bearing a spike of yellowish flowers. Good barrier plant (not pedestrian friendly). Attracts hummingbirds.

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 48. 3) Wasowski and Wasowski, Native Texas Plants Landscaping Region by Region, 1991, pg. 240. 4) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DATE3. 5) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Dasylirion+texanum&formsubmit=Search+Terms. 6) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=22305&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 7) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=42913#null., 8) Native and Adapted Landscape Plants, City of Austin and Texas A&M, 2014.

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State Office Phone: 830.997.9272

State Office Address:
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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