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Yucca Wikimedia Commons
Asparagaceae

Yucca

Yucca

Purity, protection, transmutation, loyalty.

Family
Asparagaceae
Genus
Yucca
Native to
Americas, Caribbean
Bloom season
Late Spring, Summer
Type
evergreen perennial
Height
0.6–9 m
Sunlight
Full sun
Soil
Sandy, well-drained, dry
Water
Very low; drought tolerant
Hardiness
4–11
Lifespan
Decades; tree species 100+ years

Did you know

  • Yuccas have an obligate mutualism with yucca moths — the moths are the only pollinators, and the moth larvae depend on yucca seeds to survive.
  • Yucca flowers are edible and were a food staple for Indigenous peoples of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
  • The towering Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) is a yucca that can live over 150 years and grow 12 meters tall.
  • Yucca roots contain saponins, natural detergents — Indigenous peoples used them as soap and shampoo.
  • The yucca is the state flower of New Mexico.

Uses

  • Ornamental
  • Edible flowers and fruits
  • Soap (saponins)
  • Fiber