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What is a Mojave Yucca (Yucca schidigera)

What is a Mojave Yucca

What is a Mojave Yucca

Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

Mojave Yucca – Yucca schidigera

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Tracheophytes
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Monocots
  • Order: Asparagales
  • Family: Asparagaceae
  • Subfamily: Agavoideae
  • Genus: Yucca
  • Species: Y. schidigera

COMMUNITY

Creosote Bush Scrub

HABITAT

Dry gravelly mountain and valley slopes

SOURCE OF WATER

Surface

BLOOMS

Spring

ELEVATION

1800 to 2200 ft (600 to 700 m)

TYPE OF SOIL

Alkaline sand and gravel

HEIGHT

To 8 feet (2.5 m)

POLLINATION

Wind, insects

ADAPTATION FOR SURVIVAL

Thick, bayonet shaped leaves, self-pruning.

Evergreen, but thick bark and leaves release little water into the air.

Like many other desert plants, does not bloom every year, but only when more energy has been stored up than plant needs for basic survival.

COMMENTS

Most common yucca in region, with Joshua Tree is considered an indicator plant for the Mojave Desert.

In Valley of Fire State Park, this yucca found only in higher elevations of Muddy Mountains.

Indians used leaf fibers for twine, rope, and sandals.

Flowers and buds were roasted and eaten.

What is a Mojave Yucca