Family: Asparagaceae

This unusual plant belongs to a separate yucca genus that only includes one other plant. This species grows about 3’ tall and maybe about 3-6’ wide. The stout bloom stalks can rise up from 10’ tall or more, densely covered in white flowers. One of the key characteristics of this genus is that the plants are monocarpic—plants decline and die after blooming—they put all their energy into reproduction (yuccas usually don’t die after blooming).

Plant in part sun to shade. Plants can take full sun avoiding reflective heat, but do better with some shade as naturally they are often found in chaparral shaded by manzanita and oaks or canyon walls. Low water when established, though once or twice a month in summer is recommended. Hardy to 10°F.

Hesperoyucca species were originally classified as Yucca, but were separated out in 1892. The prefix “hespero” (evening) refers to its occurrence on the west coast of North America, on the side of the continent where the sun sets. The species name, whipplei, is named for Amiel Weeks Whipple (1818–1863), a surveyor who oversaw the Pacific Railroad Survey to Los Angeles in 1853.

Photo by SpyingNaturalist, iNaturalist