Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asparagaceae

Genus:

Yucca

Species:

Yucca gloriosa

USDA Symbol:

YUGL2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Shrub , Tree

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

white

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Yucca gloriosa resprouts from underground rhizomes after fire; fire may stimulate flowering.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Thrives in coastal dunes and sandy soils.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

30–90 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from warm stratification followed by cold stratification; germination can be slow and erratic.