Mexican grass tree
Dasylirion longissimum · Asparagaceae
📷 Daderot · Public domain
⚠️ Sève et feuilles contiennent oxalates ; irritation orale/digestive pour chiens/chats et enfants par ingestion.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around mexican grass tree and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Dasylirion longissimum
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Form
- Shrub
- Adult height
- Up to 4 m
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Moderate, warm to temperate climate
- Origin
- Mexico
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Dasylirion prefers staying dry: water sparingly, even when young, and maintain clear drainage.
The common mistake
Treating it like a regular plant with frequent watering: it'll rot.
The pro's trick
Plant it on a slight mound, mulch with stones or gravel.
Seasonal watch
Damp autumn-winter: that's the critical period.
Care
Watering
Dasylirion tolerates drought very well once established. Water regularly during the first year to promote rooting, then gradually reduce watering. In Mediterranean or arid climates, occasional watering in summer is sufficient. Avoid excess moisture, particularly in winter.
Exposure
Place it in full sun for optimal growth and compact form. This plant appreciates warm, bright locations. In very hot climates, a slightly partial exposure at midday can help it during extreme heat waves.
Soil
Prefer well-drained, light, or even poor, gravelly soil. Dasylirion adapts to most soils, provided they don't retain stagnant water. A potting mix blended with sand or gravel works perfectly in containers.
Pruning and shaping
Little intervention needed. Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base to maintain a neat appearance. Spent flower spikes can be removed if desired, but this is not essential.
Fertilizer
A single application of balanced fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. Moderate nutrient supply on poor soil, which suits this frugal shrub well. Do not apply fertilizer in winter.
Diseases and pests
Dasylirion is relatively resistant to diseases. In case of excessive moisture, watch for root rot. Spider mites and mealybugs may occasionally affect it in hot, dry climates; misting or rinsing usually suffices.
Did you know?
Dasylirion longissimum, native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico, is nicknamed the 'candle tree' for its spectacular creamy white flower spikes that can reach up to 2 meters tall. Historically, local populations used the sweet sap from the base to prepare traditional alcoholic beverages, an ancient practice that still persists in some regions.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.