Joshua Tree
Yucca brevifolia
Also known as: Schott's yucca
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Genus:
- Yucca
- Species:
- Yucca brevifolia
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 20-40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may
- Bloom Colors:
- White
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Holcocera gigantella, Prodoxus sordidus, Sosipatra rileyella, Tegeticula synthetica, Colorado giant skipper (Megathymus coloradensis)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to very dry
- Notes:
- thrives in desert conditions with minimal rainfall
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are clipped and soaked for 3 to 4 hours in water to remove any inhibitors and to allow full imbibition of seeds prior to sowing. Seeds are sown in open flats using a growing medium of 2 parts sand, 1 part mulch and 2 parts perlite.
Source: npn.rngr.net