Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia): Mojave Desert Icon

Overview

The Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) is the iconic sentinel of the Mojave Desert. Its twisted, spiny branches end in dense rosettes of bayonet-like, gray-green leaves. It grows slowly to 15–40 feet, developing a picturesque, gnarled form. In spring, large panicles of creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers appear, pollinated solely by yucca moths. The fruit is dry and spongy. A keystone species, it provides habitat for countless desert creatures. Protected in the wild. A symbol of resilience. Requires perfect drainage and winter cold for flowering.

Key Features

• Form: Twisted, branching trunk; rosettes of bayonet leaves.
• Leaves: Gray-green, stiff, sharp-pointed; 6–14 in.
• Flowers: Creamy-white bells; large panicles; spring.
• Pollination: Obligate mutualism with yucca moths.
• Ecology: Keystone Mojave species.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full, blazing sun.

Water

None once established. Winter rain only.

Soil

Native desert soil; extremely well-drained; no organic matter.

Hardiness

USDA zones 6–10. Needs winter chill.

Taxonomy

Family:	Agavaceae
Genus:	Yucca (YUK-uh)
Species:	brevifolia (brev-ee-FOH-lee-uh)