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Native Plant Society of Texas

Green Sotol

Dasylirion leiophyllum

Other common name(s):

Desert Candle, Smooth-leaved Sotol, Smooth-leaf Sotol, Sotol

Family:

Asparagaceae (Asparagus Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Cactus & Succulent

Height

3
to
6
ft.

Spread

2
to
6
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Gravelly, Limestone, Caliche, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Fruit, Seeds, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Small Mammals

Maintenance

Easily grown as security hedge, in rock gardens, and on rocky hillsides. It is the most common species of sotol in the Chihuahuan Deserts Ecoregion. Extremely tolerant of drought, heat, cold, and soil type, but does best in well-drained soil and full sun. Makes a very nice accent in landscapes or can be massed as a large-scale groundcover. Because of its substantial spines, it must be planted away from pedestrian areas unless it’s used for security plantings. Propagation: seed, offset division.

Comments

Blooms May-July. Produces a stalk 5-20 feet tall, with long clusters of small white flowers on the upper portion. The flowers are male on one plant and female on another. At the base of the plant is a cluster of ribbonlike leaves, 1-3 feet long. They have spiny teeth along the margins that curve backward toward the base. The fruit is a capsule. Although still listed by some in the Liliaceae Family, the majority of botanical organizations now list it in the Asparagaceae Family.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Offshoots Division Plant the offset in a well-draining soil mixture and water it regularly to encourage growth. It is important to keep the new plant out of direct sunlight until it has become established, which may take several weeks. With proper care, the plant should take root and continue to grow into a mature specimen over time. Carefully remove offsets, or smaller plants, that have grown at the base of the parent plant. Use a clean, sharp knife or gardening shears to cut the offset away from the parent plant, making sure to include some of the roots. https://plantiary.com/plant/dasylirion-leiophyllum_13151.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason