Don Quixote’s Lace

(Yucca treculeana)

Don Quixote’s Lace (Yucca treculeana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Yucca treculeana, commonly known as Don Quixote’s Lace, is an evergreen succulent native to arid regions, rocky slopes, and grasslands of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. It can take on the form of a tree or shrub, reaching up to 10 meters (33 feet) in height, often with branches starting above the ground. The leaves are long and sword-shaped, measuring up to 128 cm (50 inches), and are a defining feature of the plant. Its flowers are bell-shaped, cream-colored, and sometimes tinged with purple, blooming in late spring to early summer. The fruits are fleshy and succulent, up to 19 cm (7.5 inches) long, and are edible when cooked.

Don Quixote’s Lace is valued for its striking architectural form and its ability to thrive in hot, dry climates, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and as a focal point in rock gardens. It is also used for erosion control due to its extensive root system. This plant is low-maintenance, requiring minimal water once established, and it prefers well-drained soils. It is tolerant of full sun and high temperatures. Gardeners should be cautious as the sharp leaves can be a hazard. There are no major disease problems, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree, Succulent
  • Height: 6-15 feet
  • Width: 3-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Very Low, Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to arid regions, rocky slopes, and grasslands in the South Central United States and Northern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Texas-Bayonet , Trecul’s Yucca , Spanish-Bayonet , Spanish-Dagger , Bajonett-Palmlilie , Palma Loca , Palma Pita , Spanish Dagger

Scientific Names: Yucca treculeana , Yucca australis , Yucca canaliculata , Yucca treculeana var. succulenta , Yucca treculeana var. canaliculata , Yucca spinosa , Yucca recurvata , Sarcoyucca treculeana , Yucca agavoides , Yucca argospatha

GBIF Accepted Name: Yucca treculeana Carrière