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Banana Yucca

Yucca baccata

In stock

1 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

3'x6'

Moderate

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

White

Spring

None

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

The Banana Yucca gets its name from its banana-shaped fruit. Closely related to the Mojave Yucca (Yucca schidigera), it often intermingles with it where their ranges overlap, and hybrids can occur between the two. Banana Yucca is also related to the Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) and is primarily found in Joshua Tree woodlands.

Unlike most yuccas, which produce dry, hard fruits, Banana Yucca bears fleshy, succulent fruit that resemble short, fat green bananas, giving the plant its name. The plump fruits are edible and ripen in September. The plant features wide leaves that can grow up to 2-3 feet long, and showy white flowers appear on 3-4 foot tall stalks.

In addition to its edible fruit, Banana Yucca has been traditionally used for various purposes. The leaf blades can be woven into baskets or made into brushes, and when the fleshy tissue is removed, the remaining stiff fibers can be fashioned into a combination of needle and thread. The roots are also valued as a natural soap.

Banana Yucca fruits attract birds and insects, making it a beneficial plant for wildlife.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.