Snyder Preserve - Yucca elata
Family: Asparagaceae
Compound: Yuc ela
Synonyms: None
Geographic Origin: southwestern US, northern MX
Characteristics: An upright, trunked, woody succulent growing from 3.6-6m (12-20ft). It frequently becomes branched with age, often with up to 7 (rarely more) branches. The species is unique among yucca with vertical rhizomes that grow downward for 0.9-1.5m (3-5ft). This depth provides protection from temperature fluctuations and a means to reproduce vegetatively. Its fibrous blue-green leaves grow in a dense head or rosette and can grow to 96cm (38in) long and 2.5cm (1in) wide. The leaves also have sharp, pointed ends, white margins and produce fine, stringy fibers. As the leaves age, they turn brown and create a layer of dead leaves over the stems. In late spring to early summer, reproductively mature plants send up a 1.2-1.8m (4-6ft) flower stalk from the center of each rosette. Large, white, succulent, bell-shaped flowers appear shortly after in loose clusters on sides of the stalk. The flowers eventually give rise to woody, 3-chambered capsules that contain about 150 thin, black, windblown seeds each.
Natural History: Prevalent in semi-desert grasslands of the Chihuahuan Desert, and are generally found at elevations of 457-1828m (1,500-6,000ft). Reproduction by seed depends on a mutualistic symbiosis with the plant’s pollinator, the yucca moth (Tegeticula yuccasella). Female moths pollinate the plants as they lay eggs in the yucca flower. Once hatched, the moth larvae feed on some of the fruit, reducing the number of potential seeds. If too many of the seeds are eaten, the yucca aborts the fruits, killing the larvae. In this way, the plant and the moth maintain their relationship.
Cultivation Notes: Can be grown from seed or from offsets formed on the rhizomes of established plants. It is very drought tolerant and cold hardy down to about -17C (0F). It requires virtually no maintenance and can survive solely on rainfall once established. Its growth rate is very low, but growth can be increased somewhat by supplemental irrigation. It is tolerant of most soils as long as they are well-drained and should be planted in full to partial sun. Old flower stalks may be removed from plant, but they are used by native bees when left in place.
For general plant propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Named for the soap or shampoo that can be produced from its roots and trunk. The saponins in the soap, however, are poisonous and should not be ingested. Native Americans would consume the flower stalks and ground the inner trunk into meal. Flower petals and buds are edible and can be eaten cooked or raw. The fibers from the leaves have been used to make rope, baskets, sandals, clothing and other textiles.
Citations:
Starr, Greg. Starr Nursery. Personal Communication.
Mielke, Judy. Native Plants for Southwestern Landscapes. University of Texas Press, 1993.
USFS Plant Database. Retrieved June 12, 2013
The American Southwest. Retrieved Oct. 26, 2018.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Retrieved Oct. 26, 2018.
The Firefly Forest. Retrieved Oct. 26, 2018.
“Yucca elata.” Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Retrieved Oct. 26, 2018.
SEINet Arizona – New Mexico Chapter. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
