Common Name(s): Desert Spoon, Sotol

Synonym(s):

Family: Asparagaceae

Native To: Common in Southwest United States and Northern México

Native Habitat: Grasslands, oak woodlands, and bajadas

Growth Habit: Large terminal rosette with short woody trunk

Flowering: May - July

Distinguishing Characteristics: Sotol has long flattened, often bluish leaves, with reddish-brown spines along the margins which point in the direction of the leaf tip. The large clump of leaves and 'skirt' of dead leaves usually completely obscure the trunk. Tall flowering stalks emerge from the apex of the plant bearing drooping branches of small white flowers and, eventually, dry fruits.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: When this plant is established it is drought tolerant, although when used in landscaping, it can collect trash and be difficult to weed around.

Ethnobotany: This historically important desert plant is endemic to and found throughout the arid uplands of southwest US and Mexico. Sotol hearts are used as food and in the distillation of a tequila-like beverage. Fibers from the long leaves are used as basket material.

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