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Yucca treculeana

Accession Count: 10
Common Name: trecul yucca
Family Name: Asparagaceae
Botanical Name: Yucca treculeana
Synonyms:
Family Synonyms: Agavaceae
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Yucca treculeana is a small, evergreen accent plant with thick, concave leaves. The green, three foot long leaves are about three inches across with sharply pointed ends and tough fibers along the margins. They grow in clusters at the terminal ends of the stem, with the dried, dead leaves hanging below. The young plant usually forms a single trunk and can grow several branches as it matures. Y. treculeana reaches heights up to 12 feet, and seven feet across (2,4,5). In the spring, it blooms a spectacular small white to light purple flower that comes in large clusters, located on a stalk that erects from the center of the leaf rosette (2,4). 
Compound: Yuc tre
Geographic Origin: Desert Southwest, Northern Mexico
Ecozone Origin: Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History: Trecul yucca is native to the Chihuahuan Desert. Mostly found in western Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico; in elevations of 3500-5000 feet (6). Its range also extends into Southern Texas, south of San Antonio from the Gulf Coast west to the Pecos River (2). It is the only tree yucca found to the east of the Pecos River (3). Morphological variations are evident in the natural distribution range of the species. A coastal form has shorter leaves but a taller and more slender trunk than the inland form (2,3).
Cultivation Notes: Y. treculeana thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. Summer irrigation can be beneficial in extremely dry and hot areas, but needs little to almost no additional water (2,6). It does not withstand prolonged periods of below freezing temperatures, and is cold hardy to only 15oF (1,6). 
Ethnobotany:
Y. treculeana is a significant ornamental plant in the desert southwest. In general, Trecul yucca has a neat, symmetrical form that would be suitable for individual display in natural settings of more formal landscapes. For xeriscape landscapes, it is best to plant this tree in transition or arid zones. It can also be planted with other cacti and succulents or used as an impenetrable barrier thanks to its terminal spines, and should be planted away from pedestrian areas to avoid hazards (6). The leaves of Trecul yucca have been used as thatching and the leaf fibers for twine, rope and weaving goods (5). The small fleshy fruits were fermented to make an alcoholic beverage by Native Americans in Mexico. These people also use the spines to jab snakebite wounds to stimulate bleeding that would carry away the poison (2). As early as 1860, this species was used extensively as an ornamental along the Mediterranean coast. These plant were not able to produce fruit because a pollinator for yucca does not exist in Europe (1). 
Height: 11 - 15 feet
Width: 6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate: Slow Growing
Grow Season: Summer
Flower Season: Spring
Color: White
Function: Accent
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Hardy
Water Use: Low water Use
Citations:
  1. Hochstatter, Fritz. Yucca 2 (Agavaceae): Indehiscent-fruited species in the Southwest, Midwest and east of the USA. Mannheim: Fritz Hochstätter, 2002. Print. 
  2. Irish, Mary, and Gary Irish. Agaves, yuccas, and related plants: a gardener's guide. Timber Press, 2000. Print.
  3. Texas Native Plant Database -- Retrieved Oct. 27, 2018
  4. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center -- Retrieved Oct. 27, 2018
  5. Encyclopedia of Life -- Retrieved Oct. 27, 2018
  6. Mielke, Judy. Native Plants for Southwestern Landscapes. University of Texas Press, 1993.
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Yucca treculeana