Texas sotol (Dasylirion texanum)

Family: Liliaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Dasylirion texanum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from June to July. 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: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The sugary pulp in the centre of the bud can be eaten. 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. — The sugary pulp in the centre of the bud can be eaten.; 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. Open, rocky limestone slopes, arroyos and canyons, dry limestone hills at elevations of 600 - 1800 metres in Texas and Mexico. (Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)