Accession Count: 8
Common Name:
palma China
Family Name:
Asparagaceae
Botanical Name:
Yucca decipiens
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Y. decipiens is a slow growing large arborescent succulent that eventually grows to form a branched tree-like form, resembling a Joshua tree (1,4). It has a stout trunk and simple leaves that are sage green stiff, arching, 5 cm (2 in) wide and 2 ft (0.6 m) long with white threads along the margins and with a sharp terminal point at the apex (1,2,4). The green leaves form a dense rosette on the stem which, eventually produces a crown of living leaves atop a stout trunk of old leaves (5). It produces large, creamy-white, perfect flowers, borne on a panicle inflorescence flower that attracts nocturnal pollinators such as bats (1,4,5,6,7,8). Fruit is a 3-celled, dry dehiscent capsule containing many flat, dark brown seeds (8).
Compound:
Yuc dec
Geographic Origin:
Central Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
This yucca is native to North-Central Mexico, from Durango to the San Luis Potosi region at elevations ranging from 6000 to 8000 ft above sea level (1,2,3,4,5,7,8). It typically grows on rocky mountain slopes on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert (4,5,8).
Cultivation Notes:
This yucca can be propagated from seed but also produces offsets that can be removed and asexually propagated (8). It is drought tolerant and hardy to severe freeze with a wide range of suitable USDA hardiness zones from 7A – 12 (4,5). The tree prefers full sun and sandy loam, or sandy clay, well-draining soil. It requires very little maintenance beyond periodic removal of spent flower stalks (1). Use gloves when working with Y. decipiens to avoid the sharp leaves (1).
Ethnobotany:
The wood from the trunk can be used for fuel and to make corks (9). The seeds, leaves, and bark are medicinal (9). The fibers within the leaves have been utilized by many cultures for cords and textiles (8). It is used as an ornamental plant in xeriscaping for its unique structure and beautiful flowers (1,2,4,8).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
White
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
1) Mountain States Wholesale Nursery, Accessed 11/20/2024
2) Plant Delights Nursery, Accessed 11/20/2024
3) iNaturalist, Accessed 11/20/2024
4) Green Things AZ, Accessed 11/20/2024
5) Rare Palm Seeds, Accessed 11/20/2024
6) Tropicos, Accessed 11/20/2024
7) Plant Lust, Accessed 12/19/2024
8) Botanical Realms, Accessed 12/19/2024
9) Austin, D., “Florida Ethnobotany”, Accessed 12/19/2024
