Yucca linearifolia

Common Names

Linear Leaf Yucca, Narrowleaf Yucca, Linear Denticulate Leaf Yucca, Comanche Yucca, Clary

Summary

Linear-leaf yucca is a slow-growing evergreen, tree-like plant native to Mexico, specifically the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Santa Maria in Nuevo León and Coahuila, at elevations around 1100–1400 m. It forms a single, unbranched trunk up to 1.2–3.5 m tall topped by a spherical head of rosettes of hundreds of narrow blue-green leaves 30–38 cm long and 4–5 mm wide, with denticulate margins. The inflorescence bears white to off-white, bell-shaped flowers on branched stalks, followed by fleshy, indehiscent fruits with seeds about 5–7 mm.

In cultivation, it prefers very well-drained, alkaline soil and full sun, with some shade tolerated though leggy growth may occur; drought-tolerant, with minimal winter watering and more in summer to boost growth while avoiding crown rot. Propagation is by seeds or suckers. Hardiness ranges from zones 7a–10b, hardy to about -20°C in dry winters, and fully hardy in Albuquerque, NM. In landscapes, it serves as a striking xeriscape specimen or focal point in arid or gravel gardens and can be grown in containers.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-12 feet

Spread

4-6 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy soil, alkaline conditions preferred

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

6.0-7.5

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Blue-green, green, grayish-green, and pale blue-green foliage

Fall Foliage Color

Green to blue-green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Slow growing.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division (rhizomes/ramets), Suckers (offsets)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies