Family
Agavaceae
Botanical Name
Yucca rupicola
Plant Common Name
Twist-leaf Yucca, Twisted Texas Yucca, Twisted-leaf Yucca
General Description
The large, open rosettes produced by twist-leaf yucca have long, broad blades that twist and curve in an architectural fashion. New blades emerge straight but begin to twist as they age. Tall, leafless flowering stalks topped with branched clusters of ivory, bell-shaped flowers appear from spring to early summer. Native populations are endemic to a small region in Central Texas. They can be found growing in open fields and savannahs where soils are shallow and rocky--typically with a limestone base.
In spring to early summer, each compact rosette produces a tall, upright, branched flower stem that becomes covered with bell-shaped blooms of ivory with hints of dusty rose. Its flowers are fragrant at night and attract moths. They are followed by bulbous brown seed capsules that split open and release their brown, flattened seeds later in the season.
This is an excellent choice for arid landscapes across the American Southwest where full sun and high heat are a given. Always plant in sharply drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. This yucca is best suited as a specimen plant for desert gardens or sunny foundations. Place it along a stone walkway or an intimate rock garden setting that allows its unique foliage to stand out.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
2'-5' / 0.6m - 1.5m
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Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Texas
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Ivory
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
