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Native Plant Society of Texas

Common Sotol

Dasylirion wheeleri

Other common name(s):

Desert Candle, Desert Spoon, 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 Desert Grasslands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Cactus & Succulent

Height

4
to
6
ft.

Spread

3
to
5
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Limestone, Caliche, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Summer

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Hummingbirds, Bees

Maintenance

Low maintenance. Drought and heat tolerant. Wear leather gloves to trim or pull away older leaves. Rots in heavy soils; mulch with mineral or rock mulches instead of bark mulches. Does not require many supplemental waterings once established, however it will, increase growth. Spent flower spikes of D. wheeleri can be removed if desired, but can also be left to go to seed. Propagation: seeds.

Comments

Blooms May-July. Attractive arching rosette of 3′ long, blue-green leaves with sharp teeth along the margins. Produces stalks of small greenish-white to yellowish flowers. Blooms every few years. 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 Separate and plant the offsets that grow around the base of the mature plant or collect. carefully remove them from the parent plant, let them callus, and then plant them in the soil. When potting, choose a well-draining mix—think of it as setting up a cozy bed for your plant babies. Place them in indirect light, avoiding the harsh midday sun. The ideal time for division is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Look for babies hugging the base of the mother plant, sporting their own roots. Independence is key—they should be sturdy enough to stand alone. Use a sterilized knife for a clean cut, and if they play hard to get, a gentle twist should do the trick. No yanking, please, 1) https://planetdesert.com/products/desert-spoon-plant-dasylirion-wheeleri#:~:text=good%20air%20circulation.-,Dasylirion%20wheeleri%20Propagation,collection%20of%20desert%20spoon%20plants. 2) https://greg.app/propagate-desert-spoon/#:~:text=Little%20Spoons:%20Offsets%20Division&text=Identifying%20offsets%20for%20propagation%20is,sturdy%20enough%20to%20stand%20alone. 3) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-dasylirion-longissimum/#:~:text=Expanding%20Your%20Dasylirion%20Collection,additions%20to%20your%20plant%20family.
Seed No Treatment Direct sow seeds in a well-draining soil mix Collect seeds from mature plants keep them moist, and provide warmth and light for germination. https://planetdesert.com/products/desert-spoon-plant-dasylirion-wheeleri#:~:text=good%20air%20circulation.-,Dasylirion%20wheeleri%20Propagation,collection%20of%20desert%20spoon%20plants.

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