Yucca torreyi

Yucca torreyi, given as a synonym of Yucca faxoniana or Yucca australis, over time forms a small tree with a single or multiple trunks, carrying skirts of dry, grey leaves. Each branching bears long, stiff leaves gathered in somewhat anarchic rosettes. The silhouette of this species, characteristic of arborescent yuccas in the desert regions of Mexico, is sometimes considered a bit disorderly. A disadvantage compensated by good resistance to cold, down to -15 °C (5 °F) in regions experiencing dry winters. A mature plant will offer beautiful oval and erect panicles adorned with large white flowers often touched with purple in summer. At least 12 years are necessary to obtain a beautiful specimen in open ground. Its hardiness allows it to be grown in open ground in many regions.

Yucca torreyi (or Y. faxoniana) is a plant from the agave family native to northeastern Mexico (Chihuahuan Desert), western Texas, and southeastern New Mexico. It comes from arid and semi-desert regions where frosts are occasional but can reach -15 °C (5 °F) at their peak.

Young Yucca faxoniana have the appearance of a rosette of stiff, linear leaves, 60 cm (24 in) to 1.4 m (5 ft) long and 4-5 cm (2 in) wide, with edges supplied with curly filaments, bluish-green and ending in a solid spine. The whole measures approximately 1.1 m (4 ft) in all directions and this vegetation persists in winter. After 10 to 12 years, the plant begins to form a trunk, sometimes followed by two or three others. The rosette gives rise over time to a few branches, each carrying a rosette of leaves. Older plants may show several branches diverging at acute angles. The living leaves are often arranged along the axial stem, forming an elongated rosette. The majority of leaves are erect, while a few others are implanted at different angles. The dead leaves, greyish-beige in colour, remain attached to the trunk for a long time. Ultimately, this yucca forms a small tree with a chandelier-like silhouette, reaching a height of 7 m (23 ft) with a spread of 3 to 4 m (10 to 13 ft). The trunks of mature specimens have a well-enlarged, swollen base. The decorative flowering occurs in July-August on very old plants. It takes the form of a large, erect panicle that protrudes from the foliage. This branched inflorescence bears white bell-shaped flowers, 6 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) in diameter and slightly fragrant. In Mexico, yucca is pollinated by a night butterfly that does not live in Europe. To obtain fruits and seeds, manual pollination will therefore be necessary.

Yucca torreyi is an easy-to-grow exotic plant in well-drained soil. It is adapted to arid conditions and withstands dry cold very well. It should be kept a little away from walkways and young children due to its pointed leaves. This plant is perfect for structuring a large rock garden or for brilliantly occupying the centre of an exotic bed. It can be planted alone or combined with Puya caerulea, Agave americana, prickly pears, Beschorneria, and fairly hardy candelabra cacti (Cleistocactus strausii, Cylindropuntia imbricata), all equally undemanding. Growing it in pots is quite disappointing as it does not allow this yucca to reach its full potential.