To us, the most dazzling of the Dasylirions most resembling the genus Xanthorrhoea, the grass trees of Australia. Eventually forming short trunks — but don’t hold your breath — the rosettes are up to 8 ft or more wide. The leaves, usually less than 1/4″ wide in a tiny triangle, can stretch up to 4 ft or more and are produced by the gazillions, making for an extremely graceful and very symmetric form moving beautifully with the slightest breeze. In the garden they should be placed in a sunny, well-drained area with additional summer water in dry climates. Fairly limited in range in northeastern Mexico, these collections — from, believe it or not, 1991 — are from over 8,000 ft in elevation and might prove hardier than those already in cultivation. So far, upper teens F have not been a problem; we’ll find out if they go lower. They make fabulous container plants; just give them enough room.

SQUARE-LEAF SOTOL

Liliaceae