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Dasylirion longissimum

Also Known As

Dasylirion longissima
Dasylirion quadrangulatum
Mexican Grass Tree
Square-leaf Sotol
Toothless Desert Spoon

Plant type

cactus / succulent, grass / grass like

size

H: 4'-10'
W: 4'

planting zones

8a-11

More Options

Dasylirion longissimum plant details

Dasylirion longissimum is an evergreen cactus / succulent or grass (or grassy in appearance) with blue, blue_old and green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dasylirion longissimum

Plant type: cactus / succulent or grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue, blue_old and green
Mature size: 4 FT - 10 - wide, 4 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, firescaping/fire wise, rock garden, spiky, tropical-looking, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dasylirion longissimum

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Mexican grass tree is a spectacular plant from northeastern Mexico that, when mature, sports a foot wide trunk and a large sphere of long, stiff, square-edged, bluish green leaves. As a young plant it forms a dramatic mound of foliage for those dry, full sun locations.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Full Sun to Shade. Outdoor. 100's of Brownish-Yellow Flowers on a long spike up to 15'.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

A fabulous species from northeastern Mexico. The leaves are grasslike but form a spherical crown on top of a stout trunk that can reach 10-16 ft. It is drought and freeze hardy. Called the Mexican Grass Tree, it's hardy to zone 7.

By: Tejas Tropicals

Quite a stunning plant! (If you have the room for it!) Forming a dome of blue-green “leaves” that have a wonderful kineticism in any slight breeze. Give it room, it grows to 8-10' wide & wouldn't look right if its shape was marred by having to cut the leaves back. Both male & female plants have very tall (10-15') flower stalks. Female flowers will turn a lovely russet color as the mature. Blooms in late Winter & bees enjoy visiting the flowers. After 50 years or so it will start to develop a trunk - this is definitely an “heirloom” plant that your grandchildren can enjoy. Can be grown in a pot for a good while, too. Great for gardeners in fire prone areas as it is considered fire-retardant. Not hard to grow as long as you provide good drainage. Native to Mexico.