Native Plant Database

Dana, Michael

Hesperaloe parviflora (Torr.) Coult.

Red yucca, Coral yucca, Red flowered false yucca, Redflower false yucca, Samandoque, Yellow yucca

Agavaceae (Century-Plant Family)

Not a yucca, this member of the Century-Plant family produces soft, yucca-like, evergreen leaves, 2-3 ft. in length, crowded on the perennial’s short, woody base. The flower stalk rises 5 ft. and bears showy, coral-colored, tubular flowers occur on arching, wand-like, pink stems. Leaves are plum-colored in winter; blue-green other times.

Coral Yucca is evergreen, drought-resistant, and adaptable to a variety of soils. Deer browse the foliage, while the flowers attract hummingbirds.

Image Gallery:

28 photo(s) available

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Leaf Margin: Ciliate
Leaf Apex: Acuminate
Leaf Base: Truncate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Size Notes: 2-3
Leaf: dark olive green
Flower: Flowers 35 mm long
Fruit: Seeds black to 3 cm
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: TX
Native Distribution: C. TX; Mex.
Native Habitat: Prairies; rocky slopes; mesquite groves. Found in prairies, rocky slopes, and mesquite groves, mostly in Central Texas. Well-drained sand, loam, caliche, limestone.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Dry soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Limestone-based, Caliche type
Conditions Comments: Heat and drought tolerant, red yucca is wonderful for rock gardens. The stiff leaves form a basal rosette. Flower spikes attract night-pollinating moths. The leaves are deer resistant, but the flowers can be eaten by deer. There is a naturally occuring color selection with buttery yellow colored flowers that blends well with the popular coral color.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Rocky hillside, Rock gardens, Desert landscape, Perennial garden, Blooms ornamental, Attractive, Accent, Long-lived, great for large pot culture
Use Wildlife: Deer browse the foliage, while the flowers attract hummingbirds. Nectar-hummingbirds, Fruit-deer
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Deer Resistant: High

Last Update: 2009-10-08