Yucca elephantipes (Spineless Yucca)
Giant Yucca, Spineless Yucca, Yucca gigantea, Yucca guatemalensis
The tallest of the Yuccas, Yucca elephantipes (Spineless Yucca) is a large, upright succulent shrub or small tree boasting several sparsely branched trunks that thicken over time and resemble an elephant's foot. They are topped by spiral rosettes of sword-shaped, blue-green leaves that may reach 4 ft. on mature plants. The stiff, leathery, evergreen leaves are smooth and spineless, hence the common name. In summer, mature plants produce a flowering stalk, up to 3 ft. long (90 cm), that rises well above the foliage, and bears large clusters of nodding, creamy-white flowers. The blooms are edible and high in calcium and potassium and can be used in salads. Carefree and durable, Spineless Yucca makes a dramatic landscape statement. Adding vertical structure to the landscape, it is a great specimen plant for xeriscape gardens and blends well in either tropical, Mediterranean or arid gardens. It is also widely grown in containers where it rarely produces any flowers.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 15-30 ft. high (4-9 m) and 15-25 ft. wide (4-8 m).
- Easily grown in sandy, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant.
- Great for beds and borders, containers, coastal gardens or Mediterranean gardens.
- Virtually pest and disease free, but keep an eye out for aphids or potential leaf spot. Deer and rabbit resistant
- Pruning not normally needed, but damaged leaves and spent flower spikes can be removed as necessary in the spring.
- Propagate by seed, sown in spring at 66-75°F (19-24°C). Flowers may need hand-pollination to set seed. Rooted suckers can be removed in spring or take root cuttings in winter.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
- Native to Mexico, Guatemala.
Yucca: Plant Care and Growing Guide
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Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 10
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Yucca |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' – 30' (4.5m – 9m) |
Spread | 15' – 25' (4.5m – 7.5m) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 10
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Yucca |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' – 30' (4.5m – 9m) |
Spread | 15' – 25' (4.5m – 7.5m) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden |