Accession Count: 12
Common Name:
twisted leaf yucca
Family Name:
Asparagaceae
Botanical Name:
Yucca rupicola
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Yuc rup
Geographic Origin:
Mountain Southwest
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Yucca rupicola is native to the Edwards Plateau Region in Central Texas west of Austin, growing primarily in its southeastern area1. It is found at elevations of 1000-3500 feet(2). It favors rocky limestone hillsides, grass covered flats of dense brush and open woodlands(3). Y. rupicola is often found growing in the broken shade of mesquites and oaks. The specific epithet, rupicola, is from the Latin meaning ‘inhabitant of rocky places’(2). Y. rupicola is distinct among the stemless yuccas because of its twisted, flaccid leaves. New leaves are straight then become twist as the leaf matures(3). The leaves usually have a yellow, orange or red margin(7) and lack margin filaments(1). Y. rupicola hybridizes easily with Y. pallida resulting in grey blue offspring with twisted leaves(4).
Cultivation Notes:
Like its name implies, Yucca rupicola is the superlative plant choice for rock gardens. Y. rupicola is also an ideal choice for small spaces where larger yuccas cannot be planted. A single low growing head of twisted leaves matures to a clump with several leaf heads. Y. rupicola will grow in full sun or in the shady understory of a tree(5). It thrives in rocky, alkaline soil and is effective when used in problem areas such as rocky embankments or sites with poor dry soil over rock(7). Although Y. rupicola is drought tolerant, it looks best with occasional summer irrigation. Excessively dry soil will cause the leaves to yellow(6). The floppy leaves have a sharp terminal spine but are less threatening than other stiffer yuccas(5). Use caution and plant away from pedestrian areas. Y. rupicola is monocarpic, it will flower and produce fruit and seed once before it dies. The offsets it produces will take the place of the plant that died(6). The flower stalk of Y. rupicola is quite impressive. It is five feet tall topped with white flowers that attract pollinating moths. The flowers are a dramatic sight, particularly in shaded settings(1). Y. rupicola is propagated by seed or removal of the offsets. Pre-soaking the seed for 24 hours in warm water may reduce the germination time(3).
Ethnobotany:
The fruit and flowers of Yucca rupicola are edible. They are delicious raw, and can also be dried, crushed and used as a flavoring. Deer also relish the blossoms(3). The stalk can also be eaten if collected before flowering begins. It is steamed like asparagus(8). The roots contain saponins that are poisonous to people. However, they tend to pass through because they are poorly absorbed by the body. Prolonged heat destroys saponins, so slow cooking the roots renders them edible. Native Americans knew this and slow roasted the roots in large roasting pits. They also used saponins to poison whole streams and harvest the killed fish(8).
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
ForeSummer
Color:
White
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
