Family: Asparagaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Dasylirion acrotrichum, commonly known as green desert spoon, is a striking, drought-tolerant plant native to the arid regions of northern Mexico. Although often mistaken for a grass or yucca, it is a slow-growing, trunk-forming succulent with a symmetrical rosette of long, narrow, blue-green leaves edged with small teeth and topped with delicate fibers. Mature plants may produce a tall, dramatic flower spike rising well above the foliage. Green desert spoon is valued in xeriscape and dryland landscapes for its architectural form, low water requirements, and ability to thrive in hot, sunny conditions. It is commonly used as an accent plant in rock gardens, desert-themed landscapes, and container plantings.
Risks, Threats & Management
Green desert spoon is considered a low-risk species and is not known to be invasive in Hawaiʻi. It grows slowly, requires specific dry conditions to thrive, and does not readily spread without cultivation. Because it is adapted to arid environments, it is unlikely to naturalize in wetter ecosystems. As with any non-native plant, responsible planting is recommended—avoid planting near sensitive natural areas and monitor for any unexpected spread. When grown in appropriate landscape settings, green desert spoon poses minimal environmental risk and can be a sustainable choice for water-wise gardens.
High Risk Traits:
- Spiny leaves
- Dead leaves may create fire hazard
- Seeds intentionally sold online
- Wind-dispersed seeds
- Produces thousands of seeds
- Broad climate tolerance (USDA zones 9-11; high elevations)
Low Risk Traits:
- Not naturalized or weedy
- Non-invasive (used in water-wise landscaping)
- Dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants)
- No vegetative spread
- Slow to mature (4+ years)
- Non-toxic
- Not allelopathic or parasitic
- Does not form dense thickets
- Requires full sun
- No water or animal dispersal
- No known seed bank
