Yucca

Yucca madrensis

Also known as: yucca

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asparagaceae
Genus:
Yucca
Species:
Yucca madrensis
USDA Symbol:
YUMA4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
white
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

Holcocera gigantella, Holcocera paradoxa, Parategeticula pollenifera, Prodoxus ochrocarus, Prodoxus y-inversus, Yucca moth (Tegeticula yuccasella)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid, mountainous regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold stratification; sow in well-drained mix.