Red False Yucca
Hesperaloe parviflora

Family: Asparagaceae

These succulent plants are not yuccas or agaves or aloes. Hesperaloe is its own group of plants somewhat related to those plants. Growing 2-3’ tall and about 6’ wide, plants are fleshy and less rigid than a yucca. Pinkish red flowers occur in warm weather, rising 4-5’ above the foliage.

There are numerous selections and hybrids.

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. Surprisingly cold hardy, to -10°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.

Photo by Mountain States Wholesale Nursery
Hesperaloe parviflora on iNaturalist

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 parviflora means "with small flowers".

Native to the Chihuahuan and Coahuilan deserts of Northern Mexico, as well as Central, Southern and Western Texas at 1400-6000’. Sadly, while extremely common in landscapes and highways, the plants are rare in the wild because they were over-harvested for sale to collectors in the early 1900s.