Thompson Yucca (Yucca thompsoniana Trel.)
Description: Thompson’s yucca grows 6–12 feet high, treelike, with a trunk 5–8 inches in diameter. The trunk is usually unbranched. The leaves are narrow and stiff and grow in a radiating mass near the top; they are 8–24 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide in the middle. They gradually widen from the base to the middle, then narrow to a needlelike spine at the tip. The margins are horny, pale yellow, and more or less fine-toothed. The stout, 2-3 ft. flowering stalk holds a dense panicle of white flowers slightly above the foliage.
Family: Agavaceae
Synonym(s): Yucca rostrata, Yucca rostrata var. linearis
USDA Symbol: YUTH
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Size Class: 3-8 ft.
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr, May
Water Use: Low
Light Requirements: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Bloom Notes: Many yuccas get unkempt, with shaggy, brown leaves hanging down; Thompson yucca stays better looking than that. It will adapt to any soil and reflected heat.
ATTRIBUTION: All of the Texas Wildflower images in this post are copyrighted and are the exclusive property of Terry B. Kahler. Reproduction without explicit written consent is prohibited. Some of the information contained in this section was taken from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website and is being used under their terms of use. Redistribution from this site is prohibited. Additional information contained in this section was taken from the USDA website including the USDA code.
