Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
palma China
Family Name:
Asparagaceae
Botanical Name:
Yucca filifera
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The Yucca filifera thrives in dry, rocky soil and enjoys full sun. It is a common landscaping plant but it tends to grown very tall and the roots burrow very deep which can cause problems. It is mostly an aesthetic plant meaning it doesn’t really have a function beyond looking nice. Yucca filifera is what is known as a low pollen palm (5), so it does not present much risk for allergy but, in its native habitat reproduces through pollination. This plant can only be pollinated by one kind of moth that is native to its home environment. This plant has the potential to be invasive but is not historically an invasive species. The palma Chinas roots contain saponin which is toxic to human beings and can be used as soap (2). According to the USDA Hardiness Zones Yucca filifera is in the 6-9 zones (2), in other words the plant can tolerate a maximum low temperature of -10 degrees (4) Fahrenheit in dry climates making it a hardy plant. Palma China uses low amounts of water; however, it will grow at a very fast rate if watered well and can grow to a height of 32 feet (4), putting it in the 20-50-foot range. The branches of the Yucca grow out and spread 9-12 feet, putting it in the 11-15-foot range for canopy spread. Growing up to 32 feet in height the Yucca filifera is regarded as one of the largest and fastest growing Yuccas so its growth rate would be considered fast. It grows year round but the Palma China flowers from July to August (2)which means it produces flowers in the summer months. It is characterized by its large clusters of cream or white flowers. This doesn’t typically naturalize an area it is found sporadically through desert regions. It is a widely regarded plant as it is huge and produces beautiful clusters of flowers that can be well over a meter long.
Compound:
Yuc fil
Geographic Origin:
Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Neotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The Yucca filifera or China palm is a native of the Chihuahuan desert in North eastern Mexico. It was discovered in 1840 and introduced to Europe in 1876 (3). An extremely large specimen was brought to be housed at Stanford in 1880 (3). It is historically not a plant used for decoration but in modern times we have adopted it as ornamental. The plants beautiful flowers have always caught the eye of people looking upon it
Cultivation Notes:
Yucca filifera grows ideally in dry climates. Dry rocky soil is ideal for this plant but it can survive in sandy, loamy, and clay soils (2). It can be cultivated in xerophytic conditions (2) which means with little water which is ideal for the type of climate it thrives in. It prefers sun but can survive in light shade. The highest chance of success is to put the germinated seed out in early summer to maximize the sun it will get in its early life. In its native habitat, it is pollinated by one highly specific moth that only lives in that region.
Ethnobotany:
The palma China is valued for many attributions. Its early use was roofing for homes because of its strong fibers. It is used for rope, thread, baskets, mats and can even be used to make soap. It has the potential to create a flavoring if dried out and crushed, and its fruit can be eaten raw or cooked (2). You can also eat the stem which is cooked like asparagus and flowers of this plant This plant has no medical uses (2). Its roots contain saponin, which is a toxic compound to humans and extremely toxic to animals like fish.
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Cream
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
- “St. Peter's Palm - Yucca Filifera - Synonyms.” Encyclopedia of Life, eol.org. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
- Revolvy, LLC. “‘Yucca Filifera’ Folders on Revolvy.com.” Revolvy, revolvy.com.
- Pfaf Plant Search, pfaf.org. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
- “Zone 9 - Flowers and Plants.” Gardenia.net, gardenia.net. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
- Xeriscape Landscape Plants & FlowersFor The Arizona Desert Environment.Pictures, Photos, Images, Descriptions, & Reviews.” Tree Yucca, or Saint Peter's Palm. Yucca Filifera. Xeriscape Landscape Plants & Flowers For The Arizona Desert Environment. Pictures, Photos, Images, Descriptions, & Reviews. Succulents., delange.org. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
