Dasylirion wheeleri aka Desert Spoon

Dasylirion wheeleri is an evergreen shrub known as desert spoon. It belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. Its native range runs from southern Arizona to western Texas. It also grows in Sonora and Chihuahua in Mexico. It lives in deserts and dry shrubland. Plants grow on rocky slopes, hills, and canyon edges. These sites include both limestone and granite.

The plant forms a mound of long, narrow leaves. Its rounded leaf crown spans about 4–5 feet [1.2–1.5 metres]. LLIFLE reports a short trunk reaching 5 feet [1.5 metres]. The trunk often lies along the ground. RHS gives a much taller range of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Its own summary describes plants reaching 20 feet [6 metres]. Leaves range from silver-green to blue-green, with some green forms. Sharp teeth line their edges, and fibres split their tips. Broad, spoon-shaped leaf bases give the plant its common name. Old leaves hang beneath the crown in a rough skirt.

Flowers appear from May to August on tall stalks. These can rise to 13–16 feet [4–5 metres]. Each stalk carries a large cluster of small, pale flowers. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Male flowers tend toward white; female flowers may show pink-purple tones. Small, brown, dry capsules each hold one seed. Plants can bloom more than once during their lives. Growth is slow to moderate. RHS gives a maturity period of ten to twenty years.

Grow desert spoon in full sun with good drainage. RHS accepts sand, loam, chalk, and clay soils. It also lists acid, neutral, and alkaline soil conditions. Under glass, use a sandy, loamy mix and low humidity. Water well in summer; keep the mix just moist in winter. RHS assigns UK hardiness H2, which does not cover freezing conditions. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10, so the sources differ on hardiness. No routine pruning is needed. Scale insects may attack, but RHS reports few disease problems.

The bold leaf crown suits dry gardens and sheltered courtyards. Its leaves supply material for baskets, mats, hats, and thatch. Dense crowns shelter small animals, while flowers support pollinators. PFAF lists edible sap, crowns, flower stalks, flowers, and seeds. People also make an alcoholic drink from roasted hearts. Taking the crown destroys the plant; flowers and stalks offer repeat harvests. Sharp leaf teeth pose a risk to hands and eyes. PFAF advises inspecting flowers for insects and cooking them before use.