Spineless Yucca

(Yucca gigantea)

Spineless Yucca (Yucca gigantea)

Cillas

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Cillas

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Cillas | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Cillas | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Yucca_elephantipes_HRM2.JPG | Notes: {{Information| |Description= |Source= |Date= |Author=User [[:deZamioculcas.jpg:User:|]] on [http://deZamioculcas.jpg.wikipedia.org deZamioculcas.jpg.wikipedia] |Permission= |other_versions= Originally from [http://deZamioculcas.jpg.wikipedia.org deZamioc |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Yucca gigantea, commonly known as Spineless Yucca, is an evergreen succulent native to dry forests and thorn scrub in Mexico and Central America. It typically grows less than 6 meters (20 feet) in height and may feature a thick, single trunk or be multi-trunked due to a thickened, inflated, trunk-like lower base resembling an elephant’s foot. The long, narrow leaves form dense clumps and are a distinctive feature of the plant. During the summer, mature plants produce impressive erect spikes of pendent flowers up to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) in length, with the white blooms being particularly showy. These flowers are followed by brown, fleshy fruits, which are oval and up to 2.5 cm (1 inch) long.

Spineless Yucca is valued for its architectural form and is often used as a focal point in xeriscaping, urban settings, and as an indoor plant. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners seeking low-care landscaping options. While young plants are adaptable as houseplants, older specimens are best suited for outdoor cultivation in warm climates. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun, with low or very low water requirements, and prefers soils with fast drainage. Popular garden cultivars include ’Variegata’ with striped leaves and ’Silver Star’ with a silvery leaf margin. Potential problems include root rot if overwatered, especially in older plants. Pests such as scale, yucca moth borers, and yucca weevils may be problematic, and leaf spot can mar the appearance of the leaves. Propagation is typically achieved through suckers, cuttings, or seeds. It is important to note that Yucca gigantea can become invasive in some regions outside its native range, so gardeners should check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Succulent
Height: 26-30 feet
Width: 6-9 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low, Very Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to dry forests and thorn scrub in Mexico and Central America

Other Names

Common Names: Greasebush, Nevada Greasewood, Spring Greasebush, Izote

Scientific Names: , Yucca elephantipes, Yucca gigantea, Yucca guatemalensis, Dracaena lennei, Dracaena yuccoides, Sarcoyucca elephantipes, Yucca eleana, Yucca elephantipes var. ghiesbreghtii, Yucca elephantipes var. gigantea

GBIF Accepted Name: Yucca gigantea Lem.