Yucca faxoniana

Faxon Palm, Faxon Yucca, Giant Yucca

OVERVIEW:

Yucca faxoniana, also known as the Faxon Palm or Faxon Yucca, is a drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub or tree that is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in the Southern New Mexico, Texas, and Northern Mexico.  It is the largest growing of the native Texas Yuccas, and they tend to grow in forests similar to the Joshua Tree.  This slow-growing plant is perfect 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.  Its fruit was utilized as food source by the Apache people, eaten both raw and cooked.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific name: Yucca faxoniana

Common Name: Faxon Palm, Faxon Yucca, Giant Yucca

Genus: Yucca

Species: faxoniana

Family: Asparagaceae

Monocarpic: No

Suggested Uses: Specimens, Xerophytic Landscape

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 5-20 ft

Width: 6 ft

Flower: White flowers on long stalk that reach up to 7 ft

Seed/Fruit: Green

Bloom Season: Late Spring/Summer

ENVIROMENT:

Exposure: Full Sun

Water Use: Low

Soil: Well-Draining

USDA Zone: 8-9

Origin: Chihuahuan Desert