Yucca baccata (Banana Yucca)

This short, spreading yucca occurs over most of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Plants vary from single trunk specimens to those with clusters of up to ten trunks. Foliage color may vary considerably as well, from gray-green to blue-green. The leaves are 16”– 32” long and 1”– 2” wide, with curly filaments along the margins and sharp terminal spines. In late spring and early summer white to cream bell-shaped flowers are produced on 3 foot stalks. The fleshy fruit that follows is edible and was a food source for Native Americans. Plant in full sun or partial shade, with good drainage.