Mountain Yucca – Desert Horizon Nursery

Mountain Yucca

Yucca madrensis (syn. Yucca schottii)
Categories:
Cacti & Succulents  ·  
Yucca & Accents
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Low water once established. Water deeply, then let the root zone dry; provide occasional supplemental irrigation during prolonged summer heat. Water newly planted specimens more regularly while roots establish.
Size
6-12 ft tall × 4-6 ft wide
Habit
Rosette succulent
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets
Description
A trunk-forming yucca with rosettes of long, blue-green leaves and dramatic summer flowers. The name Yucca montana is used inconsistently in horticulture; confirm identification, as mountain yucca is also sold under Yucca madrensis or Yucca schottii.
Bloom Time
Summer
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Architectural Form, Cold Hardy, Drought Tolerant
Growth Rate
Slow
Growth Habit
Rosette succulent
Mature Size
6-12 ft tall × 4-6 ft wide
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Blue-green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Cactus / Succulent Garden, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Specimen / Accent
Garden Style
Desert / Xeriscape
Soil
Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Beargrass, Desert marigold, Parry's agave, Parry's penstemon
Toxic — Pets
Toxic to pets if ingested (saponins)
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to light shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix, especially for young plants. Avoid intense reflected heat from west-facing walls.

Water: Low water once established. Water deeply, then let the root zone dry; provide occasional supplemental irrigation during prolonged summer heat. Water newly planted specimens more regularly while roots establish.

Soil: Very well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. Plant on a raised mound where native soil drains poorly; keep the crown above standing water.

Mature size: Typically 10–15 feet tall and 5–8 feet wide, sometimes taller with age; ultimate size depends on the plant sold under this name.

Bloom: Typically late spring through summer on mature plants; flowering may not occur every year. Unlike most agaves, the plant does not die after flowering.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate, depending on moisture, temperature, and establishment.