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Dasylirion serratifolium

Also Known As

  • Desert Spoon

Plant type

cactus / succulent, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 5'-7'
  • W: 5'-7'

planting zones

  • 8b-11

More Options

Dasylirion serratifolium plant details

Dasylirion serratifolium is an evergreen cactus / succulent or grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In summer cream flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dasylirion serratifolium

Plant type: cactus / succulent or grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 5 FT - 7 FT - wide, 5 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: cream blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, rare, tropical-looking, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dasylirion serratifolium

USDA Zones: 8b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A rare & stunning architectural focal point or sophisticated container specimen, this surprisingly HARDY Mexican native related to Agaves & Yuccas creates a perfectly symmetrical rosette of stiff, narrow, serrated leaves tipped with what looks like little brushes. Very popular in England, it’s strangely absent in the U.S. (so far!). Extremely adaptable, it well tolerates wind, coastal salt, drought & high heat.Slow growing to 5’x5’, after a while it develops the dramatic, short, palm-like trunk. You’ll see fastest growth with well-drained soil & an annual feeding or side-dress of compost & at least a monthly watering in Summer – especially in a container. Hardy to 18 degrees F at least!

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Dasylirion serratifolium plant

How to Grow Dasylirion serratifolium

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • seaside / salt tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • cream
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy

See other plant types of Dasylirion for your garden

aka Dasylirion duranguense, Sotol

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 4'-10'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Dasylirion durangense close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Dasylirion wheeleri [select form], Desert Spoon, Sotol

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 3'-15'

Width: 4'-5'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Dasylirion wheeleri flower, form by plant lust
View Plant

More Options

aka Green Sotol, Texas Sotol

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

5a-11

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • low - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Dasylirion texanum form by Cistus Nursery
View Plant

More Options

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

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 4'-10'

Width: 4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Dasylirion longissimum flower, form by plant lust
View Plant

More Options

aka Common Sotol, Desert Spoon

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 3'-15'

Width: 3'-7'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Dasylirion wheeleri [IB210] flower, form by plant lust
View Plant

More Options

+19 more Dasylirion
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