ExplorePlants

common yucca

Yucca filamentosa

The common yucca is a tall plant with sharp, spiky leaves and beautiful white flowers. It loves sunny places and can grow in dry areas, making it a tough survivor in nature!

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The common yucca has stiff, sword-shaped, blue-green leaves often with curly white threads along their edges. A tall, central stalk rises from the rosette, bearing numerous creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers. It stands out with its spiky, architectural form.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyAsparagaceaeGenusYucca
common yucca
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgeevergreen trait badge
common yucca

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Ancient people used yucca roots to make bouncy ropes!

Its flower stalk can grow taller than a basketball hoop!

Some people call it "Adam's Needle" because its leaves are so sharp!

The yucca's special moth babies hatch inside its flowers!

Special abilities

Ability

Moth Matchmaker

Common yucca has a unique partnership with the yucca moth, which is the only insect that can pollinate its flowers, helping it reproduce.

Ability

Water Wisdom

Yucca can store water in its thick leaves and roots, an adaptation that helps it survive and thrive in very dry places.

Ability

Spiky Shield

Its tough, sharp, pointed leaves create a natural barrier, which helps the yucca defend itself from hungry plant-eaters.

Measurements & details

Height
60-250 cm
Spread
60-90 cm
Flower Size
5-8 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Yucca moth

Tegeticula yuccasella

The moth is the only pollinator for yucca flowers.

depends on

Yucca moth

Tegeticula yuccasella

The moth lays its eggs inside the yucca flowers.

symbiotic with

Humans

Homo sapiens

Cultivated for ornamental beauty and traditional uses.

eaten by

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Deer occasionally browse young yucca shoots.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful around the sharp leaves; they can poke you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is common yucca?

60-250 cm

How wide does common yucca spread?

60-90 cm

How big are the flowers on common yucca?

5-8 cm

When does common yucca bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is common yucca edible?

Yes

Is common yucca toxic?

Mild

What is common yucca's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is common yucca pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Plants