Sonoran Native Virtual Tour - SOTOL

Dasylirion wheeleri        |       Asparagaceae       |        sotol

Desert Ecology:

Root systems can tolerate extreme drought as well as periodic flooding. It has a yellowish- to bluish-green non-succulent rosette, and the inflorescence has thousands of tiny white flowers which are insect pollinated.
 

Ethnobotany: 

The stalks and seed are eaten roasted in pits and the flower buds are also edible. Although, it has sometimes been used to make an alcoholic drink, its primary use was for weaving textiles including baskets, brooms, sandals, and mats or for thatched roofs and huts.

Next Stop ⇒ Wolfberry

Previous Stop ⇒ Jojoba 

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Additional Resources to Explore:

• Link to the Campus Arboretum Species Description page
• Link to the Campus Arboretum Sonoran Native Plants page (for booklet, self-guided campus tours, or docent led tour information)