Yucca faxoniana

Features and care

The Yucca faxoniana, known as Faxon’s yucca or Faxon’s palm, is a tree-like plant of impressive ornamental value, native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States (Texas and New Mexico) and northern Mexico. It forms a single, robust, and thick trunk—sometimes branched over time—covered at its base by the dried remains of old leaves and crowned by a dense rosette of very rigid, broad, dark green or glaucous leaves with fine marginal fibers.

Slow-growing but impressive, it can reach between 3 and 5 meters in height—and even more under optimal conditions—providing a powerful and sculptural architectural presence to the landscape. From spring to early summer, it produces a large, erect, dense panicle-like inflorescence that emerges above the foliage, filled with numerous white, bell-shaped flowers. It is ideal as a specimen plant or focal point in rock gardens, large desert gardens, low-water landscaping, and outdoor projects requiring an imposing structure.

It requires full sun and light, sandy, stony, or mineral soil with excellent drainage. It exceptionally tolerates intense heat, strong winds, moderate frosts, and prolonged drought once established; watering should be low and spaced out, allowing the substrate to dry completely between waterings. It is essential to avoid prolonged waterlogging at the base to keep its roots healthy and prevent rot.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so that any visitor can understand at a glance whether the plant is suitable for their climate and garden.

Crop

Exposure

Full sun

Irrigation

ORN-RIEGO 1/5 · very low — very spaced-out waterings; reduce almost completely in winter

Soil / moisture

Dry; excellent drainage

Bloom

Summer

Climate

USDA Hardiness

7–11

Compatible climates

BSh, BSk, Csa

Tolerance to humid climate

ORN-HUM 2/5 · low

Maintenance

Development

ORN-ALT 4/5 · 3–6 m · slow growth

Pests

ORN-PLAGA 2/5 · low — mealybugs, scale insects, mites and root/crown rot if drainage is lacking

Pass

ORN-FRUIT 1/5 · very low — light application in spring; excess N reduces resistance and compacts growth

  • Warning

Hardiness decreases with winter humidity; avoid accumulated water in the crown and neck.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so that any visitor can understand at a glance whether the plant is suitable for their climate and garden.

Crop

Exposure

Full sun

Irrigation

ORN-RIEGO 1/5 · very low — very spaced-out waterings; reduce almost completely in winter

Soil / moisture

Dry; excellent drainage

Bloom

Summer

Climate

USDA Hardiness

7–11

Compatible climates

BSh, BSk, Csa

Tolerance to humid climate

ORN-HUM 2/5 · low

Maintenance

Development

ORN-ALT 4/5 · 3–6 m · slow growth

Pests

ORN-PLAGA 2/5 · low — mealybugs, scale insects, mites and root/crown rot if drainage is lacking

Pass

ORN-FRUIT 1/5 · very low — light application in spring; excess N reduces resistance and compacts growth

  • Warning

Hardiness decreases with winter humidity; avoid accumulated water in the crown and neck.

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