The Yucca genus is actually pretty diverse, with about 50 different species out there. Most of us are familiar with the Giant Yucca (*Yucca elephantipes*), which is a total classic for indoor spaces. But did you know there are also trunkless varieties that stay much closer to the ground?
A Quick Guide to Yucca Varieties
While Yuccas aren’t exactly known for being speed demons when it comes to growth, they can definitely reach some impressive heights over time. Here’s a breakdown of some fan favorites:
Yucca elephantipes (Giant Yucca)
- Max height: Up to 40 feet
- Growth rate: 2 to 4 inches per year
- Leaves: 24 to 40 inches long, about an inch wide
- Flower stalks: 20 to 40 inches
Yucca faxoniana (Faxon Yucca / Spanish Bayonet)
- Max height: Up to 23 feet
- Trunk height: Up to 16 feet
- Leaves: Up to 5 feet long
- Flower stalks: Up to 40 inches high
Yucca filamentosa (Adam’s Needle)
- Max height: Usually 2 to 3 feet, though some varieties hit 4 feet
- Style: Trunkless
- Growth rate: 2 to 4 inches per year
- Leaves: 8 to 24 inches long, about an inch wide
- Flower stalks: An impressive 6 to 10 feet high
Yucca gloriosa (Moundlily Yucca)
- Max height: Up to 8 feet
- Trunk info: Doesn’t start forming a trunk until it’s about 10 years old
- Trunk height: Up to 6.5 feet
- Growth rate: About 4 inches per year
- Leaves: 12 to 20 inches long, 1 to 1.5 inches wide
- Flower stalks: 20 to 55 inches high
Yucca recurvifolia (Curve-leaf Yucca)
- Max height: Up to 8 feet
- Trunk info: Trunk formation starts after 10 years
- Trunk height: Up to 6.5 feet
- Growth rate: Max 4 inches per year
- Leaves: 24 to 40 inches long, 1 to 1.5 inches wide
- Flower stalks: 3 to 16 feet high
Yucca rostrata (Beaked Yucca / Big Bend Yucca)
- Max height: Up to 16 feet
- Trunk height: 3 to 13 feet
- Growth rate: Very slow—about 0.5 inches per year
- Leaves: Up to 24 inches long, less than an inch wide
- Flower stalks: 3 to 6.5 feet high
Yucca schidigera (Mojave Yucca)
- Max height: Up to 13 feet
- Growth rate: Extremely slow
- Leaves: 15 to 55 inches long, 1.5 to 4 inches wide
- Flower stalks: 40 to 55 inches high
Growth and Care Tips
Even though Yuccas take their time growing, your care routine makes a huge difference. If you want to keep yours happy, watch out for these “growth killers”:
Also, keep in mind that the popular Giant Yucca will basically hit the “pause” button on growth if it gets too cold for too long. Keep them cozy!
