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.