Carried by 12 nurseries
View Availability at NurseryData provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria
View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora
Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) is an iconic symbol of California’s deserts, found in the Mojave Desert and parts of Utah. This tree-like monocot, related to lilies and palms, grows at elevations from 1,600 to 6,600 feet, occasionally reaching 11,000 feet. Its stiff, dagger-like leaves and clusters of greenish-white flowers give it a striking appearance.
Joshua trees rely entirely on the tiny Tegeticula moth for pollination. The moth lays its eggs in the flowers, and the caterpillars feed on some of the seeds, ensuring mutual survival. These trees also provide nesting sites for around 25 bird species and are the host plant for the Yucca Giant-Skipper butterfly.
Due to its slow growth and specific habitat needs, Joshua tree is rarely used in residential gardens. However, it can serve as a dramatic, sculptural feature in large desert or semi-desert landscapes. When transplanted, it requires careful watering to prevent rot.
For those in appropriate climates, the Joshua tree is a low-maintenance, drought-adapted choice that supports native wildlife.
Shrub, Succulent
5 - 20 ft Tall
35 ft Wide
Rounded, Upright Columnar
Slow
Evergreen
Slight
Green, White
Spring
Hedge
Full Sun
Very Low
Max 1x / month once established
Moderate
Tolerates cold to -20° F
Fast
Requires fast draining, coarse grained alluvial soil.
Soil PH: 6.0 - 8.0
From seeds. For propagating by seed: No treatment.
Dry places, high deserts such as the Mojave Desert, Antelope Valley, and portions of Death Valley National Park
Joshua Tree Woodland
Clark Mounatain Agave (Agave utahensis), Burrobush (Ambrosia dumosa), Bigberry Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca), Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata), Buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.), Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa), California Juniper (Juniperus californicus), Penstemon species, Bladderpod (Peritoma arborea), Apricot Mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), various cactus species
Butterflies and moths supported
1 confirmed and 4 likely
Yucca Giant-Skipper
Megathymus yuccae
Yellowstriped Armyworm Moth
Spodoptera ornithogalli