Yucca pallida

Yucca pallida, sometimes called Pale yucca, is a species of yucca native to parts of the blackland prairies of northern and central Texas, and notable for its light-colored leaves that range from a pale blue-gray to sage-green in color.

The rosettes average 20–50 cm tall and 30–80 cm in diameter, with leaves 15–40 cm long and 2–3 cm wide, being widest around the midpoint. The rosettes sit directly on the ground, with little or no trunk. The leaves have a yellow to brown terminal spine, and are generally flat, possibly with some waviness or rolling along the edges.

The inflorescence is a panicle, 1–2.5 meters tall, with up to 100 bell-shaped flowers, each 5–7 cm long, with color ranging from light green to cream.

It is known to hybridize with Yucca rupicola, which has a similar appearance, but whose leaves are more twisted and curved.

Although not common in horticulture, its color, size, and moderate hardiness (down to -18 deg C) make it a good alternative to other types of yuccas.

References

• Mary & Gary Irish, Agaves, Yuccas, and Related Plants: a Gardener's Guide (Timber Press, 2000, ISBN 0–88192–442–3) pp. 260–261

External links

• Page on Yucca pallida, with pictures
• Page with picture growing in wild near Killeen