Durango Sotol (Dasylirion simplex)

Family: Liliaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Dasylirion simplex is a SHRUB. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Dasylirion was once a major food source in the desert southwest of N. America. The bulbs were roasted in rock-lined pits and pounded into cakes. A potent alcoholic beverage, known as sotol, is distilled from the baked and fermented bulbs. — Dasylirion was once a major food source in the desert southwest of N.; The bulbs were roasted in rock-lined pits and pounded into cakes.; A potent alcoholic beverage, known as sotol, is distilled from the baked and fermented bulbs.

Habitat & North American Range

Rocky and gravelly desert areas. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)