Arkansas Yucca

Yucca arkansana

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asparagaceae
Genus:
Yucca
Species:
Yucca arkansana
USDA Symbol:
YUAR2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
white, cream

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Prodoxus quinquepunctella, Yucca moth (Tegeticula yuccasella)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Butterflies:Yucca Giant-Skipper (Megathymus yuccae)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Yucca arkansana can resprout after fire from underground rhizomes.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to dry, rocky prairies and open woodlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.