Mojave Yucca
Yucca schidigera
Also listed as Yucca californica, Yucca mohavensis
Also known as Spanish Bayonet, Mohave Yucca
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mojave Yucca grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A striking desert shrub with a single or multi-stemmed trunk topped by a dense rosette of sharp, blue-green sword-like leaves. It produces tall spikes of creamy-white bell-shaped flowers in late spring.
Why grow it
Mojave yucca is more cold-hardy than many desert yuccas, tolerating temperatures to around 5°F, which extends its range into transitional zones between true desert and temperate regions. It requires minimal water once established and thrives in poor, well-draining soils where many ornamentals fail, making it useful for water-wise landscapes. Compared to Joshua tree or other larger desert species, it occupies less vertical space while still providing architectural form and seasonal flower interest.
Watch out for
The sharp leaf margins and pointed tips demand careful placement away from foot traffic and seated areas to avoid accidental contact. In areas with high summer humidity or poor drainage, root rot can develop despite the plant's drought preference, so amended, sloped soil is important. Young plants may take several years to reach flowering size, and flowering frequency can be irregular depending on water stress and age.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Mojave Desert, California
Native to: Arizona, California, Nevada
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A striking desert shrub with a single or multi-stemmed trunk topped by a dense rosette of sharp, blue-green sword-like leaves. It produces tall spikes of creamy-white bell-shaped flowers in late spring.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mojave Yucca grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Mojave yucca is more cold-hardy than many desert yuccas, tolerating temperatures to around 5°F, which extends its range into transitional zones between true desert and temperate regions. It requires minimal water once established and thrives in poor, well-draining soils where many ornamentals fail, making it useful for water-wise landscapes. Compared to Joshua tree or other larger desert species, it occupies less vertical space while still providing architectural form and seasonal flower interest.
Watch out for
The sharp leaf margins and pointed tips demand careful placement away from foot traffic and seated areas to avoid accidental contact. In areas with high summer humidity or poor drainage, root rot can develop despite the plant's drought preference, so amended, sloped soil is important. Young plants may take several years to reach flowering size, and flowering frequency can be irregular depending on water stress and age.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Mojave Desert, California
Native to: Arizona, California, Nevada
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.