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Native Plant Society of Texas

Texas Sotol

Dasylirion texanum

Other common name(s):

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, 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

Cactus & Succulent

Height

2
to
3
ft.

Spread

3
to
4
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Caliche, Dry, Limestone, Sand, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Summer

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen, Seeds

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds

Maintenance

Drought tolerant. Easily grown in rock gardens. Good barrier plant, but not pedestrian friendly. Selectively prune leaves away from sidewalks or patios to avoid sharp pointed leaves. Flowering stalks can be removed after blooming if desired, 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. Trunks can split during prolonged dry spells.

Description

Blooms May-July. It has a basal cluster of long blade-like leaves with sharp edges. Small, yellowish flowers grow along a tall stalk. The fruit is a 3-winged shell. Typically smaller than other Dasylirion species. Often mistaken for a yucca. Although still listed by some in the Liliaceae Family, the majority of botanical organizations now list it in the Asparagaceae Family.

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., 9) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dasylirion_texanum, 10) https://www.highcountrygardens.com/product/perennial-plants/dasylirion-texanum

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Texas Sotol propagation involves sowing seeds in well-draining soil with consistent moisture, avoiding waterlogging for successful germination. An ideal environment with indirect sunlight and protection from extreme conditions is essential for healthy seedling growth. Or sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/wiki/Dasylirion_texanum.html 2) https://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Dasylirion+texanum#:~:text=Seed%20%2D%20sow%20spring%20in%20a,after%20the%20last%20expected%20frosts. 3) https://earthone.io/plant/dasylirion%20texanum?srsltid=AfmBOopemcMIKrrhesxxBLfhtMVbgdtI_wglnazkcVwFVnEEeF42lmBG
Stem Cutting Place the cut leaf section in a warm, dry location out of direct sunlight. Allow the cut end to callus over for a few days to prevent rot when planted. Fill a pot with a well-draining sandy soil mix, ideally suited for succulent or desert plants. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent water retention. Once the cut end has callused, plant the cutting about 2 inches deep in the prepared potting mix. Position the cutting standing upright as it naturally grows. Water the cutting sparingly, just enough to moisten the soil. Place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid overwatering to prevent rot. After propagation, maintain minimal watering of texas Sotol, allowing the soil to dry completely between watering sessions. Provide texas Sotol with bright, indirect sunlight and protect from extreme temperatures. Select a healthy, mature leaf from texas Sotol. Using a sharp, sterilized knife, cut a 6-8 inch section from the leaf. Ensure the cutting includes some of the base tissue to improve rooting chances. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Dasylirion_texanum.html#:~:text=Texas%20Sotol%20is%20a%20resilient,root%20development%20without%20promoting%20rot.
Offshoots Division Applying a rooting hormone to the offsets can encourage stronger root development, resulting in better establishment of texas Sotol. Ensure that propagated texas Sotol receives ample sunlight to maintain strong growth and vitalization, without being subject to intense midday heat. Water texas Sotol sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between watering to mimic its natural desert habitat, promoting healthy root systems. Propagation by dividing offsets has high success rates. Carefully remove offsets from the parent texas Sotol and allow the cut surface to callus before planting. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Dasylirion_texanum.html#:~:text=Texas%20Sotol%20is%20a%20resilient,root%20development%20without%20promoting%20rot.

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason