Dasylirion longissimum
Mexican Grass Tree
Description
Mexican Grass Tree requires little maintenance and is popular in desert-themed gardens. Plants tolerate drought, reflected heat and poor soils. It slowly develops a short, thick trunk while reaching 6' tall and wide. Leaves are very narrow and long making it more hair-like than the other Dasylirions. They are 3' long, and gray-green with thorns on the tips. During late spring to summer, an erect stem of white creamy flowers emerge from the center, up to 10' high. This long-lived plant needs well draining soil. Do not plant near walkways.
Plant Type
Shrub, Perennial
Height Range
6-12'
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Grey Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Thorns/Spines
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish
Accenting Features
Silhouette, Specimen, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Background, Foundation, Roadside, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.