Mojave Yucca (Yucca schidigera)

Mojave Yucca

Yucca schidigera

Sharp, sword-like leaves catch desert sunlight like silver blades. Evergreen succulent shrub; common name: Mojave Yucca.

Full sun
0–1/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full unobstructed sun exposure; tolerates intense desert sunlight, no shade required for healthy growth
💧
Watering Drought-tolerant; water deeply once every 2–4 weeks in growing season, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to -12°C; thrives in hot, arid conditions and withstands extreme daytime and nighttime temperature fluctuations
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Rigid, sword-shaped leaves with sharp tips, blue-green to silvery-gray, up to 1 m long.
  • Flower: Creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers in tall, erect panicles up to 3 m high.
  • Stem: Thick, woody trunk with persistent dead leaf bases.
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Water deeply once every 2–3 weeks; allow soil to dry completely between waterings

Fertilization

Diluted low-nitrogen feed once monthly. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for succulents

Eggshell powder top-dressing:Grind dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium content without risk of burning roots
Pruning
  • Remove dead, brown leaves from the base to maintain a tidy rosette shape.
  • Trim spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to foliage growth.
  • Wear thick gloves to protect against sharp leaf tips during pruning.
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental landscaping in arid gardens; historical use of leaf fibers for basketry and cordage