Beaked Yucca Yucca rostrata

This tree-like yucca is an extremely ornamental, slow-growing evergreen, with a perfectly symmetrical pom-pom-like form.  Its form includes hundreds of 2 foot long leaves.  The leaves have sharp points and are an attractive pale blue-green color.  The rosette of leaves sits at the top of the trunk.  The trunk is covered with the remains of old leaves which are soft fibers.  

Beautiful yellow-orange stalks appear at the top of the plant in late spring.  The stalks have clusters of white flowers.

This tree-like plant has leaves that are soft, unlike other varieties of yucca, making this a less dangerous plant.

One of the hardiest trunk-forming yuccas, it tolerates cold up to zone 5.  While full sun is ideal, it tolerates part shade so long as it gets at least three hours of sun.

The common name 'Big Bend Yucca' arises from this species being found in its natural habitat of the Big Bend are of the Rio Grand River.  

Yucca moth larvae feed on the seeds, adults pollinate the flowers. 

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 offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.