Yuccas look much like agave. The differences are sometimes subtle. Yucca leaves are spinier, thinner and straighter than agave. They are also less succulent. And most yuccas, unlike agave, bloom multiple times.
Yuccas have a unique and specialized pollination system. They are pollinated solely by the yucca moth (Prodoxidae parategeticula, tegeticula and prodoxus). These three moth species are the oldest of all moths. The first two species (parategeticula and tegeticula) have a symbiotic relationship with the yucca plant.
Moths of these two species purposefully cross-pollinate yuccas, specifically taking pollen from the stamen of one plant and depositing it onto the stigma of another. A moth then lays an egg in the flower. When the egg hatches, the larva eats some of the developing seeds. However, there are many seeds and the larva does not eat them all.
The genus prodoxus does not have a symbiotic relationship with yuccas, and the larva will eat some or all of the seeds.
Yuccas are grown across the world as ornamentals, but they originated in the desert southwest of North America, Central America and the West Indies. There are 40 to 50 species of yucca.
Yucca flowers depend on the species. On some yuccas, flowering spikes may be very short and tucked up in the leaves. In some, they may rise several feet above the plant, creating a striking exhibition.
The flowers are bell-shaped, somewhat fragrant, are cream or white-colored, and may be tinged with purple. They may not bloom every year.
Growing Yuccas
Some yuccas can be grown up to 8,500 feet. They like sandy, quick-draining soil, and full sun. They like dry soil, with deep watering occasionally.
You can sow yucca seeds in the fall. Fall is also a good time to plant established yuccas.
Yuccas can last many, many years, and are quite hardy plants. Additionally, pups will grow from the parent plant, and continue to grow, creating clumps of yucca. The pups can also be removed and planted elsewhere.
If you have a really hot and dry location, a spot where nothing else will grow, then try yucca.
Banana Yucca (Yucca baccata)
This is a wonderful desert plant, beautiful and stark, with gorgeous, two-foot stalks of pinkish-white flowers appearing in early summer. The leaves are bluish-green.
Drought-tolerant and cold hardy, this plant grows north to Utah and Colorado, and south to Mexico. It grows best between 2,000 and 7,000 feet.
Birds, especially orioles, love the fibers which hang from the leaves and use them for nests. The fruit of the plant provides high protein food for deer, birds, insects, and coyotes. Immature fruit is bitter and has a long-lasting aftertaste. But the mature fruit was highly prized by Native Americans, who collected it unripened (to keep it from marauding deer and other mammals) and dried it in the sun. It supposedly has a nice taste, is sweet and very nutritious. It is, however, a very strong laxative.
Soaptree Yucca, (Yucca etata),
Soaptree yucca is also a very attractive plant. It is not as drought-tolerant as banana yucca, but it can be considered drought-resistant. It is cold-hardy though, and can be found in elevations between 1,500 and 6,000 feet.
This yucca plant can be found from west Texas to central Arizona, and south into Mexico, but I have seen it grown all over North America and Europe.
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