Desert Spoon. Dasylirion wheeleri, Agave Family ( Agaveae or Agavaceae ), Desert Spoon. Also called: Sotol, Blue Sotol, Grey Sotol, Common Sotol, and Desert Candle. We wish to thank Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for some of the information on this page. We share images and information with Wikipedia. Dasylirion wheeleri (Desert Spoon or Common Sotol) is a flowering plant native to arid environments of northern Mexico, in Chihuahua and Sonora and in the southwestern United States, in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, and also in New Mexico and Texas. The leaves form at the base with a spoon-shape that gives the plant its name. The drink sotol is made from the Desert Spoon. It was also used by the natives of the region for food and fiber. Its flower stalk can be used as a fire plow, for the friction needed to create fire. This plant will grow just about anywhere in Arizona. Quick Notes: Height: 5 feet tall. It spreads to about 5 feet. Flowers: A large stalk emerges from the center of the plant, it becomes 9 to 15 feet tall. Then small cup shaped silvery - green flowers emerge from the spike in the summer. The fruit is an oval dry capsule 5-8 mm long, containing a single seed. Flowering Time: Phoenix Arizona, Mid May - June. Leaves: The leaves are silver green or bluish-green with flat elongated blades, 2 - 3 1/2 feet long, the margins are toothed. Found: The USDA claims it is native of the USA (AZ, NM, TX). Native to northern Mexico, in Chihuahua and Sonora. Hardiness: Does well in single digits ! USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 �C (10 �F) USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 �C (15 �F) USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 �C (20 �F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 �C (25 �F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 �C (35 �F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 �C (40 �F) Soil pH requirements: 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline) Sun Exposure: Full Sun Elevation: 0 - 6,000 Feet. In Arizona. Natural elevation is 3,000 - 6,000 feet in Arizona. Habitat: It grows well in sand, sandy loam, clay and other heavy soils. It needs good drainage and aeration. Takes full sun; takes reflected heat. Miscellaneous: Maintenance: Low. Photos Taken; Arrowhead Ranch, Glendale, Arizona. February 2, 2006. March 23, 2006.