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Cactus & Succulent Garden

Beaked Yucca

• ​​​Common Name: Beaked Yucca
  
• Scientific Name: Yucca rostrata
  
• Family Name: Asparagaceae
  
• Origin: Mexico
  
• Height: 5 to 16 ft
  
• Width: 4 to 10 ft
  
• Growth: Slow
  
• Zone: USDA Zones 5 through 11
  
• Light needs: Full sun
  
• Salt tolerance: Low
  
• Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers loose, sandy, rocky, well-drained soil with a neutral or alkaline pH between 7.0 and 8.0. Tolerant of poor soil.
  
• Moisture: Low water needs. Water occasionally, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
  
• Drought tolerance: High
  
• Pests/Diseases: No major pests. Root rot may occur when overwatered.
  
• Growing conditions: Beaked Yucca prefers a dry, sunny environment and is perfect for xeriscaping. Water only when the soil is completely dry, about once every couple of weeks. More watering may be needed in the hot summer months. Make sure not to overwater, is this plant is very sensitive to wet conditions. This plant is frost tolerant and can handle below freezing temperatures, making it suitable for dry temperate climates.
  
• Characteristics: This yucca is palm-like in appearance, with a singular trunk and spherical crown. The thick, singular trunk is light tan in color and becomes covered with a fibrous, hair-like coat as old leaves die. Light blue-green, needle-like leaves grow in a rosette formation at the top of the trunk, forming a pom-pom shaped crown. The inflorescence is a very large (often several ft long) peduncle with many clusters of yellow-white flowers. Fruits are large, eggplant shaped pods.
  
• Propagation: By division and by seeds.
  
• Wildlife: The flowers are attractive to moths and hummingbirds.
  
• Designer considerations: It is a perfect plant for xeriscaping. It pairs well visually with succulents, adding height and texture interest.
  

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Beaked Yucca