The Organ Mountains1 are covered with sotol, which is pronounced SO-tall. It’s a very appropriate name given that they shoot up super tall stalks each time they bloom.
Sotol is a succulent with sharp edges, similar to yucca and agave, which also grow large stalks when they bloom. Much like yucca, sotol often blooms only every few years.2
The photos immediately above and below were taken on the east side of the Organ Mountains. I think of these peaks as New Mexico’s version of the Tetons.
Many sotol plants don’t even have a stalk. I think they’re equally beautiful either way.
The photo above was taken on the west side of the Organ Mountains. Last month was the first time I’d ever seen clouds hanging so low over those mountains. It began snowing shortly after I took the photo.
I do love clouds. Maybe it’s because I’ve had the privilege of seeing so many cloudless blue skies over the years in New Mexico.
Or maybe it’s simply because they make so many photos so much more interesting.
The Organ Mountains are outside Las Cruces, NM.
Neither sotol nor yucca die once they bloom. Agave does.
Love the Sotol - never knew what they were called. Thanks for the ongoing education along with the beauty captured by your eye and lens.