Joshua tree
Yucca brevifolia

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 9-12 m high and spreads 1.5 m wide. The stem branches. The bark is grey or orange-brown. It forms in plates. The leaves are straight and narrow. They have fine teeth along the edge. The flower spikes have greenish flowers. They have an unpleasant smell.

There are about 40 Yucca species. Also put in the family Agavaceae.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The flower clusters are partly boiled in salt water to remove bitterness, drained and cooked then eaten. The open flower buds are roasted and eaten. The roots are eaten raw, boiled or roasted. Seeds are eaten.

Edible parts

Flowers, fruit, root, seeds, seeds pod

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hoskawn

Synonyms

Clistoyucca brevifolia (Englem.) Rydb.;