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(Dasylirion leiophyllum)
Green Sotol (Dasylirion leiophyllum)
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yewchan
CC BY-SA 2.0
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yewchan
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CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo by: yewchan | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: yewchan | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dasylirion leiophyllum, commonly known as Green Sotol, is an evergreen succulent native to the arid environments of the Chihuahuan Desert and semi-desert grasslands in the Southwestern USA and Northeastern Mexico. It is often found on rocky slopes, canyons, and arroyos, where it is adapted to the harsh, dry conditions. Green Sotol typically forms a stout, short trunk up to 1 meter in length, either erect or reclining, with a rosette of long, narrow leaves that have toothed margins. The plant can reach up to 5 meters in height when the tall flower stalk is present. The inflorescence, about 30 centimeters long, is topped with numerous small flowers with whitish or greenish tepals approximately 2 millimeters in length, blooming in the late spring to early summer. The fruit is a distinctive three-winged capsule, less than a centimeter long.
Green Sotol is valued for its striking architectural form and is used in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a focal point in drought-tolerant landscapes. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in poor soils with minimal water once established. Green Sotol requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils to prevent root rot. While it is generally pest and disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should be cautious of its sharp leaf edges when planting in areas with foot traffic.CC BY-SA 4.0
Green Sotol is valued for its striking architectural form and is used in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a focal point in drought-tolerant landscapes. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in poor soils with minimal water once established. Green Sotol requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils to prevent root rot. While it is generally pest and disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should be cautious of its sharp leaf edges when planting in areas with foot traffic.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent, Shrub
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to the arid environments of the Chihuahuan Desert and semi-desert grasslands
Other Names
Common Names: Sotol Brillante, Smooth-Leaf Sotol, Smooth Sotol
Scientific Names: , Dasylirion leiophyllum, Dasylirion leiophyllum var. heteracanthum, Dasylirion heteracanthum, Dasylirion stewartii var. glaucum, Dasylirion stewartii, Dasylirion heteracanthium,
GBIF Accepted Name: Dasylirion leiophyllum Engelm. ex Trel.