Scientific: Yucca rigida
Common: blue yucca
Family: Agavaceae
Origin: Higher Chihuahuan Desert of north central Mexico

Hardiness zones
Sunset 8-24
USDA 7-11

Landscape Use: Strong accent, year-around sculptural interest, xeriscape landscape design themes.

Form & Character: Evergreen perennial, stiff and upright, foreboding, untouchable, branched when mature, arborescent

Growth Habit: Very slow when young. Eventually growing to 12 to 15 feet tall.

Foliage/texture: Foliage is distinctly glaucous (powder blue in color) and slender to about 2' long, VERY STIFF, strap-like leaves, inflexible, persistent; medium coarse texture.

Flowers & fruits: 3' flower stalk bearing white flowers in clusters.

Seasonal color: White flowers in Spring.

Temperature: Tolerant of cold to 10^oF and lower desert heat.

Light: Full sun

Soil: As with other xeric yuccas, well-drained soil is a must requirement and rocky porous soil is preferred.

Watering: Rarely apply supplemental water.

Pruning: None, leaves persistent dead leaves for natural appearance.

Propagation: Seed>

Disease and pests: Fungal root rot in damp soils, and desert grubs or larvae that feed on roots. Apply diazinon granules into the soil to control grub activity.

Additional comments: Very foreboding stiff and dangerous character makes use of this plant limited to areas away from pedestrian traffic areas and activities.