Yucca elata     
Soaptree yucca   
Agavaceae Family     

Yucca elata

Form: erect, trunk-forming succulent, also forms branches
Seasonality: evergreen
Size: 6-20ft high, branch spread 6ft or more; specimens with breadth to 12ft known
Leaves: long slender blades, to 4ft long, 1/2in wide, flexible when green, sharp tips; develops white threads along margins; old leaves yellow and bend downward, forming an attractive barrier around trunk
Flowers: on stalk emerging from central portion of each branch, grows 4-6ft above foliage, loose spike of hanging white bell-shaped flowers; bloom in spring
Fruit: small seed contained in 3-chambered brown pod, pod 2-3in long 1.5-2in across
Stems/Trunks: distinctive single trunk and attractive arm-like branches; best with old dry leaves left in place
Range/Origin: Chihuanhuan desert
Hardiness: to 0°F

 

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

• accent plant
• bird habitat

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure: full sun
• Water: natural rainfall; supplemental water will increase growth rate
• Soil: deep soil, good drainage; not in gravel, best in flats
• Propagation: seed, easy even from old seed
• Maintenance: minimal

detail of threads on leaf margins

NOTES:

Only one flower emerges from each branch clump per season.
If more than one stalk is present, the others are persistent (left from prior years).

has both tap root and fibrous surface roots
the flower is the state flower of New Mexico

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This page was first created September 21, 2001 and last modified March 16, 2004.

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