Scientific Name
Yucca rostrata Engelm. ex Trel.
Common Names
Beaked Yucca, Big Bend Yucca
Synonyms
Yucca linearis, Yucca rostrata var. linearis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Yucca
Description
Yucca rostrata is a slow-growing, tree-like Yucca with upright stems and beautiful gray-blue narrow foliage. Although it can branch, it is most often seen with a single trunk, that can grow up to 15 feet (4.5 m) tall. The 2 foot (60 cm) long, stiff, slightly waxy, pale bluish-green leaves with yellow margins, form a dense rosette on top of the stems. The old leaves fall off leaving a fibrous soft gray covering on the trunk. Large clusters of white flowers bloom on yellow-orange colored stalks that rise above the foliage on mature plants in late spring.
How to Grow and Care
Under the right conditions, Yucca are not difficult plants to grow. They tend to thrive on a little neglect, rather than too much attention. They are especially easy to overwater, and soggy stems are a sign of too much water. The best conditions for Yucca include a sunny corner with relatively low humidity. They are not prone to many pests, although scale can be an issue. Over time, plants will typically lose their lower leaves (in nature, they droop, forming a skirt around the trunk), giving the plant a pleasant "tree-like" appearance.
Yucca are relatively slow-growing plants that should only need to be repotted every other year. They do well slightly pot-bound, as long as they don't become heavy enough to tip over their containers… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Yucca.
Origin
Native to United States (Texas) and Mexico (Chihuahua and Coahuila).
Links
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