Torrey Yucca
Yucca torreyi
Last reviewed: August 2026
Yucca torreyi is a tall, sword leaved succulent suited to full sun and dry, rocky soils, sending up cream white flower spikes from March through May.
Toxicity unknown
Torrey Yucca (Yucca torreyi) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–120" H × 36"–48" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
NM, TX
Pollinators
moths, hummingbirds
Before you buy
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Torrey Yucca is a striking architectural succulent with sword-like blue-green leaves arranged in a symmetrical rosette. It produces dramatic tall spikes of creamy white bell-shaped flowers in spring. This slow-growing native thrives in hot, dry conditions and requires minimal care once established.
Growing Torrey Yucca
Grow Torrey Yucca in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 120 inches tall and spread 36 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Torrey Yucca takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The fragrant spring blooms attract hummingbirds and specialized yucca moths. The moths are essential pollinators for yuccas and depend on these plants for their life cycle.
Common questions
- How much water does Yucca torreyi need?
- Yucca torreyi is drought tolerant and does best with infrequent, deep watering. Once established, it usually survives on rainfall alone in arid climates and can suffer from root rot if kept consistently moist.
- When does Yucca torreyi bloom?
- Yucca torreyi typically sends up its tall flower stalks from March through May, producing clusters of bell shaped, cream to white blossoms.
- What pollinates Yucca torreyi?
- Yucca torreyi relies mainly on yucca moths for pollination, a close mutualistic relationship typical of yuccas, while hummingbirds also visit the flowers.
- How much sun does Yucca torreyi need?
- Yucca torreyi grows best in full sun and holds up well in intense, reflected heat, though it can tolerate a few hours of light shade.
- Does Yucca torreyi lose its leaves in winter?
- No. Yucca torreyi is evergreen and keeps its stiff, blade like leaves year round, though older lower leaves will dry and droop over time.
- Is Torrey Yucca HOA-friendly?
- Torrey Yucca takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Torrey Yucca? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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