Vigorous , varied and very , very tough , there ’s a yucca for every function . These rough and ready succulents can be grandiloquent , leggy , and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - corresponding , or scant , squat , and tidily compact .
Often look across in the horticultural trade , they ’re slap-up native for ironic filth that are difficult to grow in .
Hailing from the Americas , these spiky member of the Asparagaceae family inhabit a wide range of places , from the low-down and broiling desert to gamey montane scree athletic field .
Photo by Jardin Olbius Riquier à Hyères, Wikimedia Commons, viaCC BY-SA.
Although a few species favour humid environments , the bulk flourish in arid condition in freely drain , sandy soils .
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Yuccas ’ whorls of long , sword - alike leaf and tall panicles of creamy chime - shaped flowers unite the genus and are rough-cut across all species .
Photo by Jardin Olbius Riquier à Hyères, Wikimedia Commons, viaCC BY-SA.
Interestingly , the flower rely on moth for pollination . The yucca moth lays its egg inside the flowers , transferring pollen from one plant life to another as it does its work .
Hugely utilitarian , yuccas have been utilize in a myriad of ways across their range .
In some area , the sharp leaves of these plants were used for piercing and hang meat . Certain penis of the genus were widely valued by native the great unwashed for their use as a natural soap .
This same soapy character made a decoction of the plant ’s entrust a front-runner of aboriginal peoples for treating poison ivy , burning , and other tegument ailments .
Most yucca also haveedible , seraphic - smell flowers .
The paint to rise yucca starts with wise situation selection . A happy homemaker on gay , nutrient - poor , freely - draining territory , yucca wants to grow where many plants do n’t .
Beyond that , there ’s a variety of option , so long as you ’re within your chosen species ’ kitchen range of USDA Hardiness Zones .
For further instruction manual onraising your own yucca at house , understand our guide .
Interested in adding this stalwart to your beds ? Or identifying some of the best and most beautiful variety out in the wild ?
scan on for a roundup of 28 of the best specie for plant lover within this large , noteworthy genus of long - live on plants .
28 Fabulous Yucca Varieties
1. Adam’s Needle
aboriginal to the southeastern United States , Adam ’s acerate leaf ( Yucca filamentosa ) is frequently feel alfresco of its range due to its popularity as a audacious ornamental .
Growing up to three foot tall and almost as wide , this tough succulent give rise improbable spike full of pallid flowers at the beginning of summer , or in later spring .
In its native range , the naturally occurring toxin in this coinage ’ antecedent were used by the Cherokee to sandbag fish .
Thriving in freely draining , gravelly substrate , Adam ’s phonograph needle will grow in a garden bottom but is well suited to spot where it wo n’t stomach in moist stain for too long .
When felicitous , clusters of this yucca will belt down up , borne from tenacious , underground rhizomes .
Adam ’s phonograph needle is stout in USDA Zones 4 to 10 .
Adam ’s acerate leaf
you may find plants available in # 2 and # 3 containersat Nature Hills Nursery .
hear more about growing Adam ’s Needle Yucca here .
2. Aloe
This gorgeous native of the Gulf Coast and coastal champaign roll in the hay sandy soils so much you may even engraft it on beach dune .
up to of growing to 15 feet tall , aloe yucca ( Y. aloifolia ) boasts huge clusters of creamy blanched flowers suspended on retentive stalks in former summer .
instal aloe yucca produces lateral bud near the base of the works . These side shoot farm to create a marvelous , thicket - like copse of trunks .
Evergreen , like the rest of its fellow yucca , Y. aloifoliamakes a great hedge or roadblock plant . plant life in full sun for the degenerate growth and happy works .
Relatively ho-hum growing , but even more so in less than ideal conditions , this species is hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 11 .
‘ Magenta Magic ’ is a midget cultivar that sports purple leaves and develop to a ripe acme of two to three infantry tall .
‘ Magenta Magic ’
you’re able to find ‘ Magenta Magic ’ plants in four - in potsavailable from Hirt ’s Gardens via Walmart .
3. Arkansas
Naturally occurring , as the name paint a picture , in and around the commonwealth of Arkansas as well as Missouri and Texas , Y. arkansanaloves freely drain , gritty dirt as much as the next yucca .
In fact , matureY. arkansanaplants have taproots several infantry in length so they may be long and prosper in the most arid of conditions .
The sturdy , leathery leaf of this species are about two feet recollective , grey - Green River in colouration and discriminating tipped .
The industrial plant disperse via lateral , underground stems live as rhizomes , form colony . The spindly rosettes can grow to two feet in stature , blossoming in late outpouring .
Arkansas yucca is hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9 .
4. Banana
So named for the green fruits which look vaguely like miniature bananas , Y. baccatais great for soapmaking .
The stiff , spiky parting were also used by aboriginal peoples to make rophy and basketball hoop .
The fruit is slightly sweet-flavored , and bear on a tall chaff . Growing three feet tall and up to four human foot wide , banana yucca is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9 .
Although this species prefers poor , sandy soils , it will tolerate most type of freely draining territory .
5. Beaked
pick yucca ( Y. rostrata ) is beloved by horticulturalists in the drier , hotter parts of the United States , where it gayly tolerates drought and intense sun .
turn a tall body up to 12 feet in height , Y. rostratahas foresighted , narrow , relatively diffused leaves up to two groundwork in distance .
This specie bring forth a fountain of bloom from the snapper of its rosette come fountain .
Occasionally cry “ Big Bend yucca , ” this nickname is a nod to the species ’ aboriginal range in Texas .
you’re able to findY. rostrataavailable in one - gallon potsfrom Walmart .
6. Beargrass
usually found in the sandy dirt of the southeasterly United States , beargrass yucca ( Y. flaccida ) is surprisingly tolerant of cold weather and can even hold up a little frost .
This coinage is hardy in USDA zona 3 to 9 .
Not to be confused withY. glauca , another species unremarkably called “ beargrass,”Y. flaccidagrows up to three feet tall and almost five animal foot wide under ideal conditions .
Sporting the same tall flowering spikes as the rest of the members of this genus , beargrass is a sensitive selection for foxy , nutritious - poor soils in ironic environments .
This species does not do well with a luck of rain or humidity .
7. Blue
One smell at blue yucca ( Y. rigida ) and it ’s gentle to see the species ’ resemblance to the closely connect and as spiky members of the Agave subfamily .
Growing up to 12 feet in height and about four feet wide , this succulent comes from the deserts of north central Mexico .
Small for a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree but still surly , Y. rigidabristles with vertical , puritanical - gray , sharp - canted , and supple leaves .
As the species ages , dead leave of absence lie down down on its body forming a thick , textured skirt . In former spring , a tall , broad , flowering spike heel erupts from the midriff of its leaves .
Hardy in Zones 7 to 11 , the clearly blue - grayish leave-taking of this handsome succulent will add texture and construction to the garden if you could provide it with the dry , rocky , freely - draining substratum it needs to thrive .
8. Buckley’s
Buckley ’s yucca ( Y. constricta ) relieve oneself its home among the teetotal James Jerome Hill of Texas .
Another clump - mold miscellany , this species also eventually grows a short woody trunk to support its rosettes of recollective , narrow , blue - green leaves .
Y. constrictasometimes inhabit dry forest and is large-minded of partly shady atmospheric condition .
Growing up to five feet marvellous , this spring - bloomer grow heavy bunch of creamy bell - influence flowers , beloved by hummingbird and of course , yucca moth .
Preferring freely draining soils , this species will suffer Lucius Clay , loam , and sandlike substratum , as long as rainfall is moderate . It prefers slenderly alkaline soils and can be found growing on limestone rock outcrop in the wild .
Buckley ’s yucca is unfearing in Zones 8 to 11 .
9. Cape Region
presently listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature or IUCN ’s “ red list,”Y. capensisis extremely vulnerable due to its reduced lifelike range , and habitat destruction . Its native range covers Baja California Sur , Mexico .
Popular as an ornamental , the foliage has also historically been cut and used as forage for cows .
Cape Region yucca grow up to 15 feet in altitude , occasionally branching out at the infrastructure , and forms large , dense panicle of flowers .
require dry soils and very little water system , this species is hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11 .
10. Carrii
A newly pick up mintage of yucca , this newest member of the genus does n’t yet have a commonly take name .
find out along the gulf of Texas , Y. carriiforms colonies of several plants in modest clusters .
Interestingly , this Modern species grows next to brackish or common salt water , making it one of the most moisture - tolerant species known .
There ’s a whole world of diverseness still undiscovered out there , and the yucca are no exception !
11. Coahuila
Also roll in the hay as Coahuila bouncing Bet , this species ( Y. coahuilensis ) touts gamy storey of the sudsy toxin know as saponin . When its roots are crush it makes a fantastic , soapy lather .
list as “ vulnerable ” by the IUCN , Y. coahuilensishas a relatively circumscribed native range , occurring in the grasslands of Texas and northerly Coahuila , Mexico .
With a bloom spike up to eight foot marvelous , Coahuila Saponaria officinalis sports the same rosette of sword - shaped , precipitous farewell as many of its relatives .
Lover of dry , nutrient hapless land , this metal money flourish on minimal rain and is hardy in USDA zone 8 to 10 .
12. Creeping Dwarf
Classified as endangered by the IUCN , this short - statured mintage is exceedingly rare . Still , if you ’re up for a challenge , you could feel commercially grown come online .
Hailing from a small area of Mexico deeply in the Chihuahuan Desert , sneak dwarf yucca ( Y. endlichiana ) stands only three feet tall , with its flowering spike tucked safely into farseeing and spiky foliage .
down in the mouth - green in colouration , Y. endlichianaprefers sandy , rocky soils and is unfearing in USDA zone 8 to 11 .
Looking reminiscent of a Sarlaac behemoth ( Star Wars , anyone ? ) this metal money is sure to be a unequalled addition to the garden .
13. Dwarf
Littlest of the bunch , dwarf yucca ( Y. harrimanae ) maturate no larger than one metrical unit tall by one base extensive .
This tough succulent is no less hardy than its larger counterpart , however , and is a good choice forcontainer gardening , or smaller rock gardens .
Hardy in zone 5 to 9,Y. harrimanaecomes equip with very sharp thorn at the ends of its foliage and has dense filament , or stringy hair , on its leafage margins .
as luck would have it , this yucca - in - illumination still make the same fertile presentation of white flowers in springtime .
For best outcome , plantY. harrimanaein nutrient poor , sandlike soils .
14. Giant Spanish Dagger
Endemic to Texas and northern Mexico , this desert dweller is widely cultivated in arid places across the west .
Growing up to 20 feet in tiptop , giant Spanish dagger ( Y. carnerosana ) is hardy in USDA zone 8 to 11 , requiring maximum sun and heat , and minimal rainfall .
This mintage ’ efflorescence spike heel emerges right at the top of its rosette , giving it a comical chapeau of creamy white blossoms perched atop a bulky bole .
Exceptionally durable and forgiving , this alone succulent is in reality quite easy to spring up .
15. Giant White
Hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 10 , gargantuan lily-white ( Y. faxoniana ) is another trunk - constitute , striking standout within the genus .
Although it closely resemble beak yucca , its folio are a little longer , develop up to four foundation , and a little wide .
It has the same riding habit of making wonderful , spherical rosettes , like a bristling pin cushion .
This species prefers the same general conditions as the rest of its kin and thrives in sandy , freely draining soils in full Dominicus .
Like many of the other tree - like type , the pass leaves ofY. faxonianaform a beautiful shaggy skirt up and down the trunk .
16. Joshua Tree
Icon of the Mojave Desert and the American Southwest , Joshua Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ( Y. brevifolia ) is the largest of all yucca species .
Growing up to 30 feet in acme , the Joshua Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is the darling of the national park list in its honor .
Once this tall succulent reach about 10 feet in height it spreads out , make a crown of botany with pommy - pom - like russet scab decorate each subdivision .
Y. brevifolianeeds the same food poor , sandy , freely - draining soils present in its native desert home so as to thrive .
It can be grow in rock’n’roll gardens orxeriscapesbut it ’s important to check that specimen or germ for sale were not pilfered from the natural state .
Like other yucca , Joshua tree diagram is susceptible to root rot in humid clime , or places with high rain . This metal money can put up grim night temperature , however , and is hardy in USDA zone 6 to 8 .
register our guide for more information on grow and wish for Joshua trees .
17. Mojave
Mojave yucca ( Y. schidigera ) is so make as the majority of this succulent ’s population hap in , you hazard it , the Mojave Desert .
Long - lived and slow growing , this metal money can achieve stature of 20 foot , producing Modern tree trunk as it ages . Some Mojave yuccas have been estimated to be 200 years old !
Like many species in the genusY. schidigeraoften produces rhizomatous sprouts , creating clump , or colonies , of new plants .
This species favors raging and teetotal climates . The hotter , the skilful ! In fact , Y. schidigerais considered fire tolerant and resprouts following lower intensity burn mark .
This mintage is brave in USDA Zones 9 and 10 but does not bear ample rainfall or humidity .
18. Narrowleaf
Native to the rocky pitcher’s mound and pinyon woodland of the Colorado Plateau , narrowleaf yucca thrives in stony , freely - draining soils , with lots of cheerfulness .
Hardy in Zones 6 to 9,Y. angustissimagrows approximately 18 in improbable and about two foot full . Although it is short statured , the blossom spindle of this species towboat above its diminutive russet scab at a banging six to seven metrical foot tall .
Clusters ofY. angustissimarosettes typically form large dependency thanks to plentiful rhizomes beneath the ground .
19. Navajo
This small - sized yucca ( Y. baileyi ) is so refer due to its teemingness on the tribal estate of the Navajo ( Dine ) masses .
Pounded down to make soap and shredded for its useful fiber , this species has long been culturally significant to the Navajo .
subject of work quite thick , succinct colonies , Navajo yucca only grows to approximately 18 inches in peak , and about as wide . It is hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11 .
Wild populations ofY. baileyiare reportedly stable . Growing this flora at home requires emulate the conditions it receive in its natural habitat .
This species likes freely - debilitate sandy soils , full sun , and minimal rain .
20. Our Lord’s Candle
A truly prominent congressman of the genus , our Lord ’s candle ( Y. whipplei ) is brilliant and statuesque when its six- to 10 - foot - tall florescence spike is on full display .
The native citizenry inhabit the industrial plant ’s range across southern California and Baja California in Mexico used this specie to make soap and handbasket . The stems can be roasted and eat , too .
Although our Lord ’s candle is utilized in gardening , it is purportedly difficult to grow outside of its native area , likely due to its uttermost sensitiveness to overwatering .
This species is hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 9 .
21. Pale Leaf
This Texas aboriginal grows to two feet high and almost three feet wide .
As its common name suggests , its narrow , slender leaves are sick than those of most other yucca , and come in a shade of grayish - green .
Hardy in zone 6 to 10 , pale leaf yucca ( Y. pallida ) favour sandy , freely draining soils and tolerates drouth and gamey temperature .
Although this species does have vertebral column on its leafage tips , its leave are whippy , piss it a friendlier plant to have in a garden context .
22. Palm
Reminiscent of its cousin-german , the Joshua tree , palm yucca ( Y. decipiens ) is another tall , ramification , tree - corresponding member of the genus , growing to 20 foot in height .
Inhabiting dry montane habitat from Northern Mexico north to Colorado , this species is unfearing in zone 8 to 11 .
Not commonly seen in cultivation , Y. decipienshas the same necessity as its desert - dwelling relative but is not quite as outstanding .
23. Plains
Native to the grasslands and deserts of the American Southwest , plains yucca or soap-weed ( Y. glauca ) is culturally authoritative to an regalia of aboriginal peoples .
The fiber from its leaves were used for basket qualification , and a mashed preparation of its roots was used as soap .
Y. glaucagrows to about four metrical unit magniloquent and about two feet wide . Its scientific name is a nod to its leaves which can be waxy , and wan green in coloration .
Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 10 , this species is capable of growing across a wide-eyed orbit of climatic zones , given adequately enfeeble stain .
24. Soaptree
One of the most attractive , fine - go out yuccas , soaptree yucca ( Y. elata ) has a tall , shaggy luggage compartment with a thick rosette of leaves rest on top .
The flowering ear erupt from the center of the rosette , ascending to a lofty 18 feet .
Utilized for the sudsy lather its mashed roots make , this metal money is well grown in freely draining , juiceless soil like the rest of its brethren .
hail from Arizona , Texas , and Mexico , Y. elatais hardy in Zones 6 to 11 .
25. Spanish Dagger
Here , thank goodness , is an case of a humidness - tolerant yucca . Eastern gardeners , rejoice !
bear all the hallmarks of its genus , the Spanish dagger ( Y. glory lily ) has a handsome rosette of pointed , strap - forge leave , and a outstanding spike heel of creamy white Vanessa Bell - shaped flowers amount late spring .
Growing up to 16 feet in summit , this mintage will eventually , very slowly , acquire a little trunk and can develop lateral subdivision at background level .
A democratic kind , Y. gloriosavar.recurvifoliahas recurve , or half-witted bending , leave of absence . This change ’s abundant , wilt , leathery leaves have give it the vulgar name “ weep ” or “ curved ” yucca .
Hardy in Zones 7 to 11 , Spanish dagger can also tolerate hoarfrost .
Although highly drought broad and happier in desiccate dirt like the rest of its genus , this species can tolerate more regular rainfall so long as drain is adequate .
26. Spineless
Finally , a yucca you could hug ! Spineless yucca ( Y. elephantipes , syn . Y. gigantea ) is as friendly as its vulgar name indicate , boasting smooth , un - spiny , shiny leaf atop a short proboscis .
ThoughY. elephantipesrarely flowers in a kitty , it ’s gentle to wish for and performs as a houseplant in all other shipway .
So if you do n’t have the freely draining dirt and mild temperature this species demand as an outdoor specimen , get it indoors !
Make certain to expend very low-down nutrient soils eminent in perlite or other additives that aid drain and place it in full Sunday .
Y. elephantipesis unfearing in Zones 9 to 10 and can reach 15 feet tall and over 25 metrical unit wide , if it is kick in the space to branch laterally .
In its native Mexico it has been known to grow 30 feet tall and is considered one of the tallest members of its genus .
27. Thompson’s
Similar to beaked yucca but a little turn diminished , Thompson ’s yucca ( Y. thompsoniana ) reaches height of about 12 feet and can spread six feet spacious .
A trunk - form type , this metal money raise a flower stiletto heel at the center of its rosettes in late springiness , and bloom in other summertime .
Native to the rocky hills , slopes , and plains of Texas , New Mexico , and Mexico , Y. thompsonianais found on limestone outcroppings and in bouldery , freely drain soils where it receives plenty of sunlight .
Hardy in Zones 7 to 11 , this species can stick out frost , but will be much more vigorous in warmer , arid conditions .
28. Twisted
Twisted yucca ( Y. rupicola ) gets its name from its crinkled , narrow , olive - light-green leave which squirm as they mature .
indigenous to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico , this diminished yucca acquire two groundwork tall and two feet across-the-board .
Once its efflorescence spike emerges in previous outflow , this otherwise petite member of the genus total another three feet of stature .
Inhabiting rocky places with wry , nutrient - poor soils , this plant ’s specific epithet entail rock - dweller , or drop-off - dweller .
Y. rupicoladoes not produce a luggage compartment , but forms small colony from underground rootstalk . Hardy in Zones 6 to 10 , it ’s an excellent choice for rock garden in areas with minimum rain .
Durable and Diverse
This list is just a small sample distribution of the plentiful , low - sustenance phallus of theYuccagenus .
Although there are only minor variation in how some of the dissimilar coinage look , there is abundant genetic variety present in the genus .
If you know in a climate zone with rich rainfall or humid summers , try planting one of these rugged succulent in a pot so its substrate can enfeeble quickly . If you are favourable enough to have a rocky or sandy hillside , give yucca a endeavor there !
think , these plant life boom in places other plant ca n’t . They ’ll light up an otherwise barren landscape painting with their blossom - packed display .
Just pay attending to the minimal hardiness demand of the coinage you select and watch it on the watering .
Where have you successfully grown yucca in your garden ? Which members of the genus have you seen on wage increase at home ? Leave us a remark below , or enquire us a question to help you on your yucca growing journey .
Tolearn more about bring yuccas to your backyard , check these articles out next :
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About
Molly Marquand
