YUCCA THOMPSONIANA

Botanical Name: Yucca thompsoniana
Common Names: Thompson’s Yucca, Cane Yucca
Mature Size: 6–10 feet (1.8–3 meters) in height, 3–5 feet (1–1.5 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates rocky and sandy substrates
Water Needs: Low; highly drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Long, sword-shaped, stiff blue-green leaves with smooth margins arranged in dense rosettes
Flowers: Tall flowering stalk (up to 10 feet / 3 meters) with creamy white, bell-shaped blooms, appearing once after several years
Growth Rate: Moderate

Uses:

• Ornamental Plant: Yucca thompsoniana is valued for its architectural form and striking foliage, perfect for xeriscapes, desert gardens, and modern landscape designs.

• Xeriscaping: Ideal for water-wise gardens, it thrives in arid and semi-arid environments with minimal care.

• Erosion Control: Its dense root system helps stabilize soils on slopes and in dry areas.

Benefits:

• Drought Resistance: Exceptionally adapted to hot, dry climates, requiring little to no supplemental irrigation after establishment.

• Low Maintenance: Robust and pest-resistant, it demands minimal upkeep beyond occasional pruning of old flower stalks.

• Ecological Value: The prominent flowering stalk attracts pollinators like moths and bees, supporting local biodiversity.

• Longevity and Structure: Adds year-round structural interest and visual drama to xeric landscapes, maintaining its form for many years.

Yucca thompsoniana is a resilient, striking succulent shrub that enhances dry-climate gardens with its sculptural appearance and ecological benefits. Its durability and distinctive flowering make it a prized choice for drought-tolerant landscaping.