Accession Count: 69
Common Name:
red yucca 'Brake Lights'
Family Name:
Asparagaceae
Botanical Name:
Hesperaloe parviflora
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
'Perpa'
Characteristics:
Hesperaloe parviflora var. ‘perpa’ is a dense-clumping, evergreen plant with long, narrow, stiff, arching leaves, measuring up to 2 feet in length and 1¼ inches in width. Its leaves, which form a rosette on a short woody base, are grey-green in color and have fibrous edges (1). Beginning in the spring and lasting through the fall, the plant produces tall, wand-like flowering spikes (up to 10 feet in height) with showy red tubular flowers (1,2). Variety ‘perpa’ is different from the standard variety in that it is somewhat more compact and has redder flowers (3).
Compound:
Hes par Per
Geographic Origin:
Chihuahuan desert
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
A common plant of the Chihuahuan Desert, red yucca is found from central Texas into Mexico (1). Although the plant bears some resemblance to yuccas, is it not a true yucca. The genus name Hesperaloe means “western aloe,” due to its similarity to true aloes of the Old World (4). The specific epithet parviflora means “small flowers.”
Cultivation Notes:
One of the Southwest's gems, Hesperaloe parviflora is a common landscape plant. It is a good choice for rock gardens, but is also outstanding by itself. The plant is drought and heat tolerant and will do well in a variety of soils as long as they are well drained (1,2,5,6). Although it requires no supplemental irrigation once established, red yucca will grow and flower better if given additional water from late spring to early fall (2,6). It exhibits a moderately fast growth rate. Unlike most agave and yucca species, red yucca does not have spines, making it appropriate for areas along paths or walkways, as long as enough room is provided for the plant to grow. Although quite cold hardy, the plant’s leaves may turn purple in the winter when temperatures are low (1). A yellow-flowered variety is available. It can be propagated by seed or division and can be grownin pots, if desired (2,5).
Ethnobotany:
The leaves and fruit are reportedly poisonous (5). The flowers attract hummingbirds.
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Red
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
