Beaked yucca is native to Texas and adjacent northeastern Mexico. It is a member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The species epithet is Latin for “beaked” and refers to the pointed (“beaked”) stigmatic end of the fruit. This yucca needs well-drained, sandy soil and at least half a day of full sun. Other soil types, as long as they are well-drained, are also acceptable. One of the hardiest trunk-forming yuccas, it tolerates cold up to zone 5. This tree-like yucca is an extremely ornamental, slow-growing evergreen, with a perfectly symmetrical pom-pom-like form. The trunk is covered with the remains of old leaves. The rosette of leaves sits at the top of the trunk. A well-grown specimen will carry a crown of over one hundred 2-foot-long leaves. The leaves are an attractive pale blue-green color and dance in the breeze. This tree-like plant has leaves that are soft, unlike other varieties of yucca, making this a less dangerous plant. Adult plants will produce terminal clusters of waxy, white flowers. In nature, yucca moth larvae feed on the seeds; adult moths intentionally pollinate the flowers by collecting and placing masses of pollen on the stigmas. Beaked yucca works well in a xeric garden, winter garden, or night garden (the silvery leaves in moonlight are striking). It makes an eye-catching accent or specimen. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Minor issues with red spiders, spider mites, mealybugs, scale and aphids. Avoid planting in locations having poor drainage. Overwatering can lead to root rot. VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti," a plant identification course created in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
Available space
6-feet-12 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in. | Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
2 - Understory (15-40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Coarse
Leaf color
Blue; Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate; Rosulate
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Linear
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf feel
Smooth
Leaf value
Long-lasting; Showy
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Sharp-tipped leaves up to 2 feet long, margins finely toothed, arranged on the crown similar to a pom-pom. Old leaves dry out and often remain on the trunk.
Flower color
White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Panicle
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
2-foot cluster of white flowers that rise high above the crown. They bloom in late spring.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
1-3 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Erect, ovoid to ellipsoid fruits.
Bark detail
The bark is made up of soft gray fibers of old leaves. It creates a silver haze.
Stem color
Gold/Yellow; Orange
Stem detail
Yellow-orange flowering stalks rise above the foliage. Typically single stemmed.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
South western Texas, northern Mexico
Wildlife value
Yucca moth larvae feed on the seeds, adults pollinate the flowers. Attracts hummingbirds.
Attracts
Moths
Play value
Shade; Wildlife Food Source
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Capsule
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Patio
Landscape theme
Drought Tolerant Garden; Nighttime Garden; Pollinator Garden; Rock Garden