Dasylirion wheeleri  Sotol, Desert Spoon
SUCCULENT.  A large ball of radiating grayish-green straplike leaves that are tough but flexible, and edged with recurved prickles.  Tall pale tan cylindrical flower spike in midsummer, but does not bloom every year.  One of the most abundant and conspicuous plants in the Empires, found throughout.  Yucca elata is similar but grows taller and has narrower, greener leaves that do not have prickles.
FAMILY:  Agaveaceae (Agave Family)