Chaparral Yucca
Hesperoyucca whipplei
Also known as: chaparral yucca
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Krzysztof Golik
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Genus:
- Hesperoyucca
- Species:
- Hesperoyucca whipplei
- USDA Symbol:
- HEWH
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 450 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Deoclona yuccasella, Holcocera gigantella, Prodoxus aenescens, Prodoxus cinereus, Prodoxus coloradensis, Prodoxus marginatus, Prodoxus pulverulentus, Sosipatra rileyella, Tegeticula maculata, Yucca moth (Tegeticula yuccasella)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Prodoxus marginatus, Tegeticula maculata
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, moths
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from basal offsets after fire in chaparral ecosystems. Fire promotes flowering in remaining rosettes.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in arid, rocky environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Best results with warm temperatures around 70-80°F.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI