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 plant with upright stems and beautiful narrow foliage. Although it can branch, it is usually 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 are arranged in 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 appear on yellow-orange stalks that rise above the foliage on mature plants in late spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 5a to 10b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Under the right conditions, Yuccas are not difficult plants to grow. They tend to thrive on a bit of 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 Yuccas 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.
Yuccas 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. Repotting larger plants can be difficult, so larger plants can be refreshed with new potting soil by digging out the top 2 inches (5 cm) of the container and adding new soil. During typical repotting, remove the plant from its container and go up one container size. Always use fresh potting soil.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Yucca.
Origin
Native to United States (Texas) and Mexico (Chihuahua and Coahuila).
Links
- Back to genus Yucca
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
