Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia)

Joshua Tree
Scientific Name: Yucca brevifolia Engelm.
Family: Agavaceae

Show Larger Picture Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 8-24
USDA: 7-10

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 0°F (-18°C)
Heat Tolerance: Extremely heat tolerant
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Southern California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, USA (Mojave desert)
Growth Habits: Slow growing tree to 25 feet tall (8 m) or more, 15 feet wide (4.5 m)
Watering Needs: Periodic deep soaking in summer and good drainage
Propagation: Offsets handled as cuttings, seeds

The rigid leaves of the Joshua Tree are up to 16 inches long, 1 inch wide (40 cm by 2.5 cm). They have small teeth on their edges, and end in a sharp tip.
The species name "brevifolia" comes from the Latin for "short leafed".

Cultural Practices:
The Joshua Tree is difficult to take care of under average garden conditions… of course in Phoenix and the rest of the southwest deserts, we don't really have average garden conditions, The trunk can be very slow to form.

Blooming Habits:
The Joshua tree blooms in early spring (February to April). The nodding panicles are 20 inches long (50 cm), bearing 3-inch greenish-white flowers (7 cm). The fruit is edible.

Gardening in Arizona Home Page | List of All the Plants | More in the Agavaceae family