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Yucca thompsoniana (Thompson's yucca)
Flaigg, Norman G.

Yucca thompsoniana Trel.

Thompson's yucca, Thompson Yucca, Beaked yucca

Agavaceae (Century-Plant Family)

Synonyms: Yucca rostrata

USDA Symbol: YUTH

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Thompson’s yucca grows 6–12 feet high, treelike, with a trunk 5–8 inches in diameter. The trunk is usually unbranched. The leaves are narrow and stiff and grow in a radiating mass near the top; they are 8–24 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide in the middle. They gradually widen from the base to the middle, then narrow to a needlelike spine at the tip. The margins are horny, pale yellow, and more or less fine-toothed. The stout, 2-3 ft. flowering stalk holds a dense panicle of white flowers slightly above the foliage.

Beaked yucca, Yucca thompsoniana (formerly Y. rostrata), gets its common name from the shape of its fruit. It. Many yuccas get unkempt, with shaggy, brown leaves hanging down; Thompson Yucca stays neat. It will adapt to any soil and reflected heat.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Notes: 3-8 feet.
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: TX
Native Distribution: Trans-Pecos, TX & n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Dry, exposed, rocky slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Many yuccas get unkempt, with shaggy, brown leaves hanging down; Thompson yucca stays better looking than that. It will adapt to any soil and reflected heat.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds
Description: Yuccas will germinate promptly from fresh seed held over winter. Seeds germinate best in 60-70 degree temperatures. Yuccas may also be grown from rhizomes, stem cuttings, or by digging offsets from the side of established plants. Transplant into a well
Seed Collection: Gather capsules as they begin to dry but before they split. Allow to dry, then crush to remove seeds. Overwinter, keep seeds in moist sand in the refrigerator. For longer storage periods, keep in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX

Wildflower Center Seed Bank

LBJWC-1074 Collected 2011-07-06 in Brewster County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Bibliography

Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Bibref 297 - Trees of Central Texas (1984) Vines, Robert A.

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Yucca thompsoniana in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Yucca thompsoniana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Yucca thompsoniana

Metadata

Record Modified: 2013-05-23
Research By: TWC Staff

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