Bell-Flowered False Yucca
Hesperaloe campanulata
Family: Asparagaceae
The foliage and form of Bell-flowered Hesperaloe closely resemble that of Hesperaloe funifera. This spiky accent plant has stiff, ½” wide, lime green leaves, with white fibers that run along the margins. However, it is a smaller species, growing to only 3 feet tall and wide. In the late spring and summer it sends up a quite tall spike of light pink flowers.
Photo by Mountain States Wholesale Nursery
Hesperaloe campanulata on iNaturalist
Because of the pink flowers this plant is sometimes mistaken for H. parviflora but the foliage is more rigid and taller. In the day, the flowers will show their more bell-shaped form which lends its species epitaph, campanulata.
Plant in full to part sun, even reflective heat is tolerated. Low water when established, though a drink once or twice a month keeps plants looking good. Cold hardy, to 0°F.
Plants are attractive to hummingbirds and other nectar-seeking birds, insects, etc. If you don’t want to expensively feed javalinas, protect these plants as they are loved by them. The dried, leftover stems of Hesperaloe are used by some solitary bee species for larval nests.
Hesperaloe are a good choice for people who don’t like spikey plants, since the stems are softer and relatively harmless.
The genus Hesperaloe is derived from the Greek word hesperos, meaning "western," and aloe. The specific epithet campanulata means “bell-shaped”.
Native to Nuevo Leon and Coahuila, Mexico.