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Yucca pallida

Image of Yucca pallida

James H. Schutte

Family

Agavaceae

Botanical Name

Yucca pallida

Plant Common Name

Pale Yucca, Pale-leaf Yucca, Pale-leaved Yucca

General Description

Twistleaf yucca is an uncommon evergreen perennial in commerce yet incredibly beautiful due to its cool blue-green foliage. It is native to Texas but found only in a few small areas in 13 counties where the Blackland prairies exist.

The broad, blue-green blades of this tough plant form attractive rosettes that shine all season long. This yucca blooms in late spring with tall spires of up to one hundred flowers. They are night-pollinated by moths, which are lured by the luminescent white flowers which reflect moonlight. As the flowers stalks set fruit they turn brown and covered with bulbous, capsule-like fruits that split open to release flattened seeds.

This sun lover is tolerant of both sandy and clay-rich soils. Though twistleaf yucca is only moderately cold hardy it will withstand limited periods of freezing and deserves more widespread cultivation. This tough, drought-resistant perennial is an ideal choice for southwestern gardens large or small

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 10

  • Sunset Zone

    7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    20"-24" / 50.8cm - 61.0cm

  • Width

    20"-24" / 50.8cm - 61.0cm

  • Bloom Time

    Spring

  • Native To

    Texas

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Rosette/Stemless

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Ivory

  • Fruit Color

    Green, Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Blue

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Blue

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Blue

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Blue

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes