Yucca pallida McKelvey , 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