Texas Yucca

(Yucca rupicola)

Texas Yucca (Yucca rupicola)

Stan Shebs

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Stan Shebs

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Stan Shebs | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Stan Shebs | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Yucca_rupicola_2.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description=''Zanthoxylum americanum''. Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid. |Source=self-made |Date=agosto 1999 |Author= A. Barra |Permission= |other_versions= }} [[Category:Zanthoxylum]] |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Yucca rupicola, commonly known as Texas Yucca, is an evergreen perennial that can be classified as a subshrub, shrub, herb, or succulent. It is native to rocky slopes and limestone hills in the Edwards Plateau and Rio Grande Plains regions of Texas. This species is acaulescent, meaning it does not have an above-ground stem or trunk. It is characterized by its distinctive twisted leaves that form dense rosettes, and it produces a branched caudex beneath the soil surface. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate, slightly succulent, and can reach up to 60 cm in length and 40 mm in width. During the flowering season, which occurs in late spring to early summer, Yucca rupicola produces pendant, bell-shaped flowers that are white or greenish in color. The fruit is a dry capsule, up to 6 cm long.

Texas Yucca is valued for its unique twisted foliage and drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used in borders and as an architectural accent in dry landscapes. This plant thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Additionally, its sharp leaves may be considered a hazard in areas with pedestrian traffic.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub, Herb, Succulent
Height: 2-5 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
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., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to rocky slopes and limestone hills in the Edwards Plateau and Rio Grande Plains regions of Texas

Other Names

Common Names: Twistleaf Yucca, Twistedleaf Yucca, Twisted-Leaf Spanish-Dagger

Scientific Names: , Yucca rupicola, Yucca lutescens, Yucca rupicola var. tortifolia, Yucca tortifolia, Yucca tortilis,

GBIF Accepted Name: Yucca rupicola Scheele