Yucca
brevifolia, commonly known as the Joshua tree, is a large, slow-growing,
evergreen, tree form yucca native only to the Mojave Desert of the southwestern
United States. It is found growing at elevations between 1,600-7,200′ on open,
rocky grasslands where they visually dominate the landscape. Mature individuals
usually reach around 15-30′ tall (sometimes to 50′ or more) with an open,
rounded canopy of equal width. The average lifespan of a Joshua tree is
estimated at 150 years, but older trees exceeding 300 years old have been
recorded. Younger plants lack the distinctive branching of older specimens. The
stiff, narrow, tapered leaves (between 6-14″ long and 0.25-0.5″ wide)
have terminal spines and small serrations along the margins. The foliage forms
rosettes on the ends of the branches, and desiccated leaves remain on the plant
covering the trunk and stems. The creamy white, round to ovate flowers (up to
2″ long and 1″ wide) are borne on terminal panicles (up to 20″
long). Light green seedpods (up to 4″ long) mature on the tree in clusters.
In their native habitat, Joshua trees are an important source of food and
shelter for wildlife. Many birds utilize the branches for nesting and perching.
These include cactus wrens, northern flickers, and American kestrels. A single
moth species called the yucca moth pollinates the flowers. Small mammals such
as antelope squirrels and kangaroo rats eat the seeds. Joshua trees were also
used by the Cahullia people of inland southern California as a source of food
and fibers.
According to commonly held legend, the name Joshua tree was given by Mormon
settlers and refers to the biblical tale of Joshua guiding the Israelites in
the battle for Ai with an outstretched arm. Uses. Suitable for desert gardens,
xeriscaping, rock gardens, and other dry sites. Makes for an excellent specimen
piece. When purchasing seeds or plants, communicate with the supplier and
verify that they were sourced responsibly and not collected from vulnerable, wild
populations.
Best grown in
dry, coarse, well-draining soils in full sun. In the wild this plant thrives in
extreme desert conditions, with 3-14″ of annual precipitation, summer high
temperatures around 120°F and winter low temperatures of -13°F. For these
reasons, supplemental watering should only be supplied during prolonged drought
conditions, and should be limited to one thorough soaking per month. Hardy in
Zones 6-10.
Growing Instructions for
the Joshua Tree
1. Soak the seed in
water for several hours. 2. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Fill a pot
with a sterile, soilless seed starting mix. Water the mixture so that it is moist
but not wet. 3. Put the seeds on the soil. 4. Cover the seeds with a thin
layer of soil that is 1/8 inch thick. 5. Water the seeds. 6. Place the
pots in an area with of 70 degrees or above and in part shade. The
seeds take 2 weeks to a month to germinate. 7. When the seedlings are a few
inches tall, they can be transplanted.
Matthew (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Michael (verified owner) –
So far so good!
Michael (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days
Phoenix (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Nolan (verified owner) –
Very fast delivery.