Yucca brevifolia Joshua tree (Agavaceae) Evergreen tree

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Yucca brevifolia
Joshua tree
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Yucca brevifolia plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California to Utah. It is a member of the Agavaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Joshua tree. Some home gardeners know the variety as Y. arborescens.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Yucca brevifolia
Common Name:  Joshua tree
Family:  Agavaceae
Author:  Engelm.

Known Hazards:  The roots contain saponins[222]. Whilst saponins are quite toxic to people, they are poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass straight through. They are also destroyed by prolonged heat, such as slow baking in an oven. Saponins are found in many common foods such as beans[K]. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Mature Height:  9   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Arid mesas and mountain slopes, usually at 650 - 2200 metres[229].

Cultivation Notes: Thrives in any soil but prefers a sandy loam and full exposure to the south[11]. Plants are hardier when they are grown on poor sandy soils[200]. Prefers a hot dry position[166], disliking heavy rain[3]. Established plants are very drought resistant[11]. The flowers of this species are malodorous[200]. In the plants native environment, its flowers can only be pollinated by a certain species of moth. This moth cannot live in Britain and, if fruit and seed is required, hand pollination is necessary. This can be quite easily and successfully done using something like a small paint brush. Individual crowns are monocarpic, dying after flowering[233]. However, the crown will usually produce a number of sideshoots before it dies and these will grow on to flower in later years[233]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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