Sotol, Common sotol, Bear Grass, Common Sotol, Desert Spoon

Dasylirion wheeleri

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Arizona to Texas and Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Stem Edible Uses: Drink The central part of the plant can be cooked and eaten[183]. The crown of the plant was baked by the native North American Indians then dried, pounded into a powder and made into cakes[257]. They would also peel the baked crown, crush it, mix it with water then ferment it and use it as a beverage[257]. The flowering stems can be roasted, boiled or eaten raw[257]. The trunk is rich in sugar, the pith can be used to make the alcoholic beverage 'sotol'[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known