Yucca brevifolia

Joshua Tree

OVERVIEW:

Yucca brevifolia, also known as the Joshua Tree, is a drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to the Mojave Desert in the Southwestern United States.  This plant is most famous for being the keystone plant of the Joshua Tree National Forest in Southern California.  This slow-growing plant is well suited for large low-water use landscapes.  Like most yuccas, its flowers attract insects such as butterflies and moths.  In some cases, the taller specimens will be pollinated by bats.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific name: Yucca brevifolia

Common Name: Joshua Tree

Genus: Yucca

Species: brevifolia

Family: Asparagaceae

Monocarpic: No

Suggested Uses: Specimens, Xerophytic Landscape

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 5-20 ft

Width: 15 ft

Flower: White flowers on long stalk

Seed/Fruit: Green to Reddish-Green

Bloom Season: Spring

ENVIROMENT:

Exposure: Full Sun

Water Use: Low

Soil: Well-Draining

USDA Zone: 8b-9a

Origin: Mojave Desert