Joshua tree Yucca brevifolia
Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Asparagaceae family, native to Mojave Desert (900–1,800 m). It grows 4–12 m (13–39 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Joshua tree in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Joshua tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 4–12 m (13–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: flower buds and seeds (traditionally) |
| Native to | Mojave Desert (900–1,800 m) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Joshua tree toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Yuccas contain saponins: stomach upset in pets.
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 Joshua tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Joshua tree in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- The Huntington (1 plants)
- Desert Botanical Garden (4 plants)
Questions about Joshua tree
- How far apart should I plant Joshua tree?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Joshua tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Joshua tree need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Joshua tree?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Joshua tree flower?
- From about March for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Joshua tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Yuccas contain saponins: stomach upset in pets.
- What grows well with Joshua tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Joshua tree. 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 national parks (Saguaro, Joshua Tree, Redwood), US National Park Service
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Desert Botanical Garden plant collections and trails, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
Notes and assumptions
- Desert plant: needs sharp drainage and little summer water once established; rots in wet, heavy soil.
- Branches only after flowering; pollinated solely by yucca moths. Mojave rather than Sonoran: needs winter cold.
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