Grass Tree
Dasylirion quadrangulatum
A sculptural accent with twisting narrow leaves that cascade like a living fountain from atop a slender trunk.
Hardy to about 20°F, USDA 9-11; adaptable across low and mid desert.
AMWUA Notes
Low-water architectural accent with a fine, fountain-like evergreen form.
Care Guide
Water established plants monthly; deep, infrequent irrigation encourages a stronger trunk.
Remove dead or browned outer leaves at the base; no shaping needed—let the fountain form develop.
Not necessary; light spring feeding optional.
Largely pest-free and tough.
Frost-tolerant into the low 20s °F; evergreen, fine-textured and low-litter year-round.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Fast-draining decomposed granite or gritty mineral soil; low organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
Low feeder.
Seed
4 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; fine leaves are non-hazardous near paths
Placement Tips
- •Use as a soft sculptural accent that reads like a fountain.
- •The fine leaves are non-hazardous near paths.
- •Give it 4 ft of room.
- •Plant in fast-draining soil in full sun.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Grass Tree. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Grass Tree — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Grass Tree need in Phoenix?
Grass Tree is a low-water accent plant once established. Water established plants monthly; deep, infrequent irrigation encourages a stronger trunk. Low-water architectural accent with a fine, fountain-like evergreen form.
How big does Grass Tree get?
Expect roughly 4 ft tall and 4 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 4 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; fine leaves are non-hazardous near paths.
Can you plant Grass Tree near a pool?
Not ideally. Grass Tree is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Grass Tree handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Grass Tree is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy to about 20°F, USDA 9-11; adaptable across low and mid desert. Frost-tolerant into the low 20s °F; evergreen, fine-textured and low-litter year-round.
Does Grass Tree have thorns?
Yes — Grass Tree has small thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Grass Tree safe around pets?
Grass Tree is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Grass Tree bloom in Arizona?
Grass Tree blooms in spring, with brown flowers.
How much maintenance does Grass Tree need?
Grass Tree is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Remove dead or browned outer leaves at the base; no shaping needed—let the fountain form develop.
What kind of soil does Grass Tree need?
Fast-draining decomposed granite or gritty mineral soil; low organic matter. Nutrient needs are low. Not necessary; light spring feeding optional.
Is Grass Tree native to Arizona?
No. Grass Tree is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Northeastern Mexico, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.