October 15, 2019

7 Interesting Facts about the Yucca Plant

I recently returned from a much needed vacation out west, where my fiancee and I had an amazing time road tripping through Colorado, New Mexico, and parts of Texas. We visited six national parks while we were out there, did some epic hikes, and saw a crazy amount of wildlife. One of the most interesting things to me though (being from the Northeast) was the unique plant life native to the Southwest. I figured this would be a great opportunity to highlight some of these indigenous species, so today I’m going to hammer out some interesting facts about the YUCCA PLANT.

A large Yucca plant on the side of a hiking trail at Mesa Verde National Park

1. There are several different species of Yucca plants.

There are nearly 50 known species of Yucca plants, making the genus highly diverse. Each species has unique characteristics including the fruit that it bears, its flower and leaf characteristics, and even what type of climate it thrives best in.

2. Yucca plants can be found in a wide variety of climates.

Yucca plants are most commonly found in more arid climates like the desert regions of the southwest. However, they can also be found growing in mountainous regions, grasslands, prairies, and semi-tropical to tropical regions. In fact they can be found all the way from southern California to the southern Atlantic coast, and even up to certain parts of Canada!

Yucca Plants thrive in a variety of regions, but are most commonly found in arid climates

3. Yucca plants have a special means of pollination

The Yucca plant is often pollinated by a special type of insect called a Yucca Moth. Yucca moths transfer pollen from plant to plant and also lay their eggs inside the flowers. The sharp, sword-like leaves of the Yucca plant provide protection for the eggs, and the seeds of the plant provide a source of food for newly hatched larvae.

4. Yucca plants are masters of water conservation

Yucca plants have several built-in mechanisms for conserving water in dry climates. To start, their leaves have a waxy coating to help prevent evaporation and water loss. The leaves are also shaped with built-in channels to help direct water to the base of the plant and collect moisture more efficiently. Additionally, as older leaves die they droop down and form a protective barrier around the trunk of the Yucca tree to help prevent sun exposure and conserve water.

Desert, Sand, Dry, Travel, Nature — Old leaves drop down and form a protective barrier around the trunks

5. Yucca plants often bear edible fruit

Several varieties of Yucca plants bear edible flowers and fruit, which are often incorporated into Mexican and southwestern style cooking. The fruit of yucca plants resemble a cross between a cucumber and a pepper. They can be cooked in several ways including fried, stewed, baked, or even eaten raw.

Yucca is also eaten by several animals including mice, rats, squirrels, and rabbits when other food sources are scarce. During my trip to Mesa Verde National Park, I had a conversation with a park ranger and he informed me that the fruit is also sometimes eaten by coyotes!

6. Joshua Trees are a species of Yucca plant (Yucca Brevifolia)

In some states, Joshua Trees are protected by law. Efforts to protect them are evident by the designation of Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California, which covers 1235 square miles, two deserts (Colorado and Mojave), and six mountain ranges (Cottonwood, Hexle, Little San Bernadino, Pinto, Eagle, and Coxcomb.).

Desert Landscape, Joshua Tree, Desert — Joshua Trees (Yucca Brevifolia)

7. Yucca roots are used as medicines

According to WebMD, the roots of certain species of non-flowering Yucca plants are used to treat osteoarthritis, hypertension, migraines, high cholesterol, diabetes, liver, bowel, gallbladder, and circulation disorders. Always consult your doctor before beginning a new medication regimen, even if it’s natural or holistic!

BONUS FACT: The Yucca Flower is the state flower of New Mexico!

Joshua Tree, Yucca Brevifolia, Panicle — Yucca flowers

Conclusion

I love immersing myself in other cultures and learning about new flora and ecosystems. This trip to the Southwest especially, was an amazing opportunity for me to discover new plants that aren’t native to upstate New York. It’s been a great learning experience researching Yucca Plants and all of their unique characteristics, and I hope you’ve enjoyed learning a few things about them as well. If you have any questions or comments, make sure to let me know below!

Take Care,

Cody

Thistle Downs Farm