Soaptree Yuca

Yucca elata

Asparagaceae, Agavaceae, Liliaceae · broadleaf evergreen shrub · introduced

Last updated March 8, 2026

Plant Profile

Height

15 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Size at 20 yr

6 ft

Lifespan

Short-lived

Light

Full Sun

Soil Drainage

Well Drained

Soil pH

7.0-8.5

Water

Low

Drought Tolerance

High

Hardiness

Zones 7a–8b

Bloom Time

late spring

Origin

from west Texas to central New Mexico and central Arizona and northern Mexico; also found in small areas of southeast Nevade

View full calendar (4 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
New growth flush BBCH 11	Feb 15-Mar 15	Lighter-colored new growth visible at branch tips
Bloom start BBCH 61	May 1-May 31	First open flowers visible; flowers white
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	May 15-Jun 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: black

Data Maturity

Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.