Maureen Gilmer
Family
Agavaceae
Botanical Name
Dasylirion wheeleri
Plant Common Name
Wheeler's Sotol
General Description
The beautiful long, flattened, icy blue leaves of Wheeler's sotol form a magnificent rosette. This desert plant is native to Arizona and New Mexico, extending south into parts of arid northern Mexico. Its pointed, ribbon like leaves are edged with small curved teeth, creating a formidable deterrent to browsing wildlife. As it matures, the rosette develops a dense trunk-like base.
This annual bloomer sends up very tall flower spikes from its center topped with loads of small flowers that cover up half of its length. The bloom looks almost like a giant torch or poker. The stem becomes woody with age and the flowers are replaced by dry brown fruits. These can be left to add architectural beauty to the landscape or cut and used in dry arrangements.
Like most arid species, green sotal needs full sun and very well drained soil; fertility is secondary. Consider this a specimen plant for the low desert garden, because it readily stands up to intense heat and little cold. It is best suited to large, open, arid gardens where it can achieve its full, magnificent stature.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 15
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Sunset Zone
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Width
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring
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Native To
Southwestern United States, Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Rosette/Stemless
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Blue Green
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Bark Color
Tan
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
