Spineless yucca (Yucca elephantipes)

Spineless yucca

Features and Characteristics

Yucca elephantipes, commonly called spineless yucca or giant yucca, is native to Mexico where it may grow somewhat tree-like to 30 feet tall with a trunk that thickens and roughens with age. This is considered to be the tallest of the yuccas. It lacks spines typical of most yuccas hence the common name. Plants may be grown in the ground in landscapes in the U.S. only in Zones 9 and above. Plants feature narrow, sword-shaped, blue-green leaves (to 3” wide) that may reach as much as 4 feet in length on mature plants. Leaves appear in spiral rosettes. White flowers appear on stalks above the foliage in spring or summer. Container plants grow much smaller, however, and often will not produce any flowers.

Genus name comes from the Carbi name for manihot, also called cassava or yuca, which is not closely related but has similarly enlarged root structures.

Specific epithet means like an elephant’s foot.

Care and Maintenance

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-10. In the St. Louis area, this plant must be grown as a container plant. It may be set outside during the summer months, but must be brought indoors prior to the first fall frost. The size of the container will affect the size of the plant. Grow in a well-drained sandy soil mix in full sun to part shade. Water pots regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Tolerant of drought. During indoor winter months, reduce watering to the minimum (i.e., keep soils dry with only enough water to prevent plant foliage depreciation).

Spineless yucca (Yucca elephantipes) Requirements

Hardiness zone	9 - 10
Sun light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Absence of spines makes this an attractive and “user-friendly” container plant for the St. Louis area. Where it may be grown outside year round, spineless yucca may be used along walkways or as large accents in the landscape.

Spineless yucca (Yucca elephantipes) Details

Common name	Spineless yucca
Botanical name	Yucca elephantipes
Plant type	Broadleaf evergreen
Family	Asparagaceae
Hardiness zone	9 - 10
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	White
Flowering period	Seasonal bloomer
Height	15 - 30 ft.
Width	15 - 25 ft.