Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asparagaceae

Genus:

Yucca

Species:

Yucca elata

USDA Symbol:

YUEL

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

450 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from the base after fire. Historically adapted to periodic grassland and desert fires.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, 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 desert conditions with minimal organic matter.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment when sown fresh. Warm temperatures (70-85°F) improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI