How do we measure our products?
Dasylirion longissimum
Mexican Grass Tree
Dasylirion longissimum is a succulent plant related to Yucca and Agave that slowly grows a thick, beautifully scarred trunk from which erupts a tufted head of narrow, rigid, 4-angled green leaves, each with a slightly withered tip, reminiscent of a fibre-optic lamp.
Dasylirion longissimum is out of stock
Want to be notified when this product is back in stock?
Plant Biography
Dasylirion longissimum is native to the Northern Mexico Chihuahuan Desert and Southwestern of United States. Dasylirion longissimum are dioecious, so the plants are separated in male and femaile plants. The female plant bears decorative reddish seeds after flowering.
The plant’s name has been the subject of long debates and it was considered identical to Dasylirion quadrangulatum, but now the two are considered to be two different species, inhabiting two different areas of Mexico. Even today, the two names are used interchangeably by some growers as the only way to differentiate them is by flowers, which are not emerging that often in colder climate gardens.
Care & Size Guidance
The Toothless Sotol seems quite adaptable, having sailed though the last two winters in many gardens outside in the UK, and is the perfect companion for yucca and agave in milder gardens. It is equally happy given pot culture and moved somewhere dry and frost-free for winter.
The Dasylirion longissimum is cold hardy down to -9 degrees for short periods of time, provided the plant is kept dry. Cover with a horticultural fleece when frost is forecasted. The plant should be kept in a dry unheated conservatory over if the cold periods are extended.
Small plants (usually with no trunk developed) are usually reasonably priced, however due the slow growth rate, more mature plants become expensive really fast.
Related reading
How To Overwinter Your Arid Plants in the U.K.
Here at The Palm Centre, we are huge fans of arid plants. We were instrumental in introducing Agave montana to European markets and we stock a wide range of Yucca, Dasylirion, cacti, and other interesting and unusual succulent plants. Many of these can tolerate freezing conditions in their native habitat but growing them in United Kingdom, while possible, can take a bit of extra care and planning.
We’ve written a short guide outlining the basic considerations when planning, planting, and caring for your arid plants in a damp, temperate climate. Keep reading to find out our top tips…
Read article
Top Five Hardy Palms for the UK
If you’ve just discovered the wonderful world of hardy exotic gardening then you might be wondering what palm trees you can grow in the UK climate. Here’s our list of the top five that we recommend.
Read article
Ordered a 60-80cm Dasylirion longissimum and received a lovely plant that was well packaged and as described. 80cm high excluding pot with a decent 7cm caudex. Would definitely recommend.
Barry (verified owner) –
Extremely pleased with the telephone service and email responses. This led me to my first purchase, an Dasylirion Longissimum. The plant is amazing.
Thank you.
Ilija (verified owner) –
Arrived well packaged and exactly as described.
David Perry –
I have bought from Palm Centre before and just like on this occasion plants have always arrived well packaged and on time. First class service and plants. I just need a large specimen Dasylirion Longissimum now please !
Rick Burrows –