Yucca brevifolia
Joshua tree
A large, slow-growing, upright evergreen tree to around 4.5m in height, with an open, rounded habit and twisted branches with sharp, grey-green foliage. Clusters of creamy-white flowers appear in the spring, followed by brown, woody seedpods containing flat black seeds. This iconic tree is a symbol of the American Southwest Mojave desert
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream White | Green Grey Silver | Black Brown | |
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | Black Brown | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Yucca can be evergreen perennials, shrubs or trees, with dense or loose rosettes of stiff, sword-shaped leaves and tall panicles of bell-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Calif. to SW Utah
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost keeping just moist in winter. Grow outdoors in containers and over-winter indoors. See yucca cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, stem cuttings in spring to early summer or offsets in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and mealybugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to yucca leaf spot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.