Dasylirion longissimum

Mexican grass tree
Mexican grass tree. Space-age wiry orb atop a stout trunk with age. Produces tall flower spikes. Nice in containers, too.
Dasylirion longissimumDasylirion longissimumDasylirion longissimumDasylirion longissimum
height 2–10ft
width 6–10ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Pots, Rooftops, Neglect, Wind
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Dasylirions are unusual plants from North American deserts. They are exceptionally drought tolerant, especially once established. They will love a sunny hot spot, but they’ll want summer water every week or two for the first few years to get established, since summer is when they receive rainfall in nature.

Yellowing of leaves is a sign of overwatering or not enough drainage.

Generally dasylirions remain solitary, though they do sometimes split from the top and grow into multi-trunked forms with great age.
hardy
to		 15F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin NE Mexico
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 11–23

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Dasylirions create a head of many long, thin leaves in an orb shape over a stout trunk that varies in height by species. You can either let these leaves age and turn into a beard as they would in nature, or prune off the oldest leaves as they age and get replaced by new ones from the crown. Pruning the lower leaves will expose the trunk, giving the plant a clean textured look over time. This can also make it easier to weed around the base of your plant, especially with the spinier dasylirion species.
To create a fountain-like appearance, prune lower leaves higher up, until the lowest leaves are at an upward angle. This will also narrow the spread of your dasylirion.
Adding to the uniqueness of these plants, a centimeter or less of the leaf tips will naturally brown and even become tufted over time.

Special Interest

The stiff leaves of this plant are mesmerizing when viewed in a light breeze.