YUCCA BACCATA BACCATA

Botanical Name: Yucca baccata baccata
Common Names: Banana Yucca, Basket Yucca, Yucca with Berries
Mature Size: 3–6 feet (1–1.8 meters) in height, 2–4 feet (0.6–1.2 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates rocky, sandy, and poor substrates
Water Needs: Low; highly drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Long, rigid, sword-shaped gray-green leaves with sharp tips
Flowers: Tall flowering stalks (up to 6 feet / 1.8 meters) with creamy white bell-shaped flowers appearing in spring
Growth Rate: Moderate

Uses:
Ornamental Plant: Yucca baccata baccata is prized for its dramatic architectural form and sculptural rosette of spiky leaves, making it a focal point in xeriscapes, desert gardens, and rock landscapes.

Xeriscaping: Ideal for water-wise gardens, thriving in arid and semi-arid climates with minimal maintenance.

Traditional Uses: Its edible fruit and fibrous leaves have historically been used by indigenous peoples for food and weaving.

Benefits:
Drought Resistance: Exceptionally adapted to hot, dry environments, it requires very little supplemental watering once established.
Low Maintenance: Robust and pest-resistant, needing only occasional pruning of old leaves.
Ecological Value: The flowers attract pollinators such as moths and bees, while the plant provides habitat for desert wildlife.
Longevity and Structure: Offers long-lasting visual interest with its distinctive form and textural foliage, adding structural beauty to desert landscapes.

Yucca baccata baccata is a hardy and striking succulent that delivers both ecological benefits and bold visual impact to dry-climate gardens. Its resilience, historical significance, and unique appearance make it an excellent choice for sustainable and ornamental landscaping.