Beaked yucca Yucca rostrata
Beaked yucca (Yucca rostrata) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asparagaceae family, native to Chihuahuan Desert of west Texas (Big Bend) and northern Mexico. It grows 2–4.5 m (6.6–15 ft) tall and 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Beaked yucca at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4.5 m (6.6–15 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Flowering | about 521–782 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Chihuahuan Desert of west Texas (Big Bend) and northern Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇫🇷 France, 🇪🇸 Spain |
Is Beaked yucca toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, roots
Yuccas contain saponins that upset the stomach of pets; the stiff leaf tips can injure eyes.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Beaked yucca
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Beaked yucca
- How far apart should I plant Beaked yucca?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft).
- Does Beaked yucca need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Beaked yucca need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Beaked yucca?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Beaked yucca flower?
- About 521–782 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Beaked yucca poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Yuccas contain saponins that upset the stomach of pets; the stiff leaf tips can injure eyes.
- What grows well with Beaked yucca?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Beaked yucca. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Native Plant Information Network, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of dry, sunny places: grow it in gritty, free-draining soil and water deeply but rarely; cold and wet together kill it faster than frost or drought.
- A perfect sphere of thin, flexible blue-grey leaves on top of a shaggy trunk, like a pom-pom on a stick; tall spikes of white bells in spring. One of the hardiest tree yuccas, so it is popular in modern dry gardens in Europe and North America. Pollinated only by yucca moths.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana