Yucca elata (soap tree) — perennial

Overview

Yucca elata is a perennial in the genus Yucca, part of the Q157167 family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Yucca elata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is native to southwestern North America, Sonoran Desert, Chihuahuan Desert, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah and northern Mexico.

About

Yucca elata is a perennial yucca from the deserts of southwestern North America, notable for its upright trunk and summer flower clusters. It reaches about 2.0 m and prefers full sun and well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy or clay types. Creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers appear in June to August. Handle with gloves as the foliage can be a skin allergen and it is harmful to pets if eaten.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Yucca elata

About the genus

Yucca is both the scientific name and common name for a genus native to North America from Panama to southern Canada. It contains 50 accepted species. In addition to yucca, they are also known as Adam's needle or Spanish-bayonet.

Wikipedia contributors, "Yucca", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Yucca

In the garden

Yucca elata is a perennial yucca native to southwestern North America, including the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts and adjacent regions of Nevada, Utah and northern Mexico. Plants grow to roughly 2.0 m and produce prominent summer blooms; the species is adapted to hot, sunny, dry landscapes where drainage is good. Plant in an open, sunny position on soil that drains freely — the species will tolerate sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as they are not waterlogged. Soil may be kept on the drier side or allowed to be moist but well-drained; avoid heavy, poorly drained ground. Hardiness is H3 (borderline hardy), equivalent to USDA zones 9–11, so in cooler parts of the UK choose a sheltered, south- or west-facing site or grow in a container that can be moved under cover in severe winters. In the garden use Yucca elata as an architectural specimen in gravel or dry borders, or place it where its upright habit and summer flower clusters can be seen at eye level. Take care when handling: the foliage is a known skin allergen, so wear gloves and protective clothing, and keep curious dogs and cats away since the plant is harmful if eaten. Expect creamy-white, pendulous flowers from June to August.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Yucca

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
UK hardiness: H3

Plant details

Yucca elata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Height: 2.0 m
Native to: southwestern North America, Sonoran Desert, Chihuahuan Desert, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, northern Mexico
Toxicity: 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

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Yucca elata?

Yucca elata prefers full sun.

What soil does Yucca elata need?

Yucca elata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How big does Yucca elata grow?

Yucca elata reaches a height of 2.0 m.

Is Yucca elata hardy in the UK?

Yucca elata has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

Is Yucca elata toxic?

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.

More in the Yucca genus

Browse all Yucca →