Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
Mexican Tree Yucca
Mexican tree yucca, also called palma china, is one of the largest yuccas, a branching tree that can reach 20 feet and more with age. Its sword-shaped leaves carry curling threads along the edges, and old trunks grow massive at the base. Its long clusters of creamy white bells hang down from the branch tips, some over 3 feet long. It needs little water once rooted and grows in full sun.
Best for: a long-term architectural tree for large yards, open desert landscapes with room to branch, and low-water plantings.
Over 20 to 50 years it can reach 25 to 40 feet tall with a spread of 8 to 15 feet. The trunk branches, usually around 10 to 14 feet up, and grows massive at the base.
Give it plenty of room to branch as it grows. It is a tough, architectural plant for a large, dry yard.
Unlike most yuccas, its flower clusters hang down from the branch tips. The creamy white bells come in long clusters, some well over 3 feet long.
It hates waterlogged roots, so fast-draining soil is a must. It needs a lot of room at full size. The stiff leaves end in sharp points.
- Closer specimens10 ft apart
- Specimen trees10-15 ft apart
Keep the root area slightly damp until a new plant roots in, then stretch the time between waterings. Once rooted, soak it deeply about every 2 to 4 weeks in summer, less in spring and fall, and little or none in winter. Let the soil dry between soakings.
Plant it at the same depth it grew and keep the same side facing south. Shade a new plant with shade cloth until new growth shows, and skip the fertilizer, since it does not need any.
Old leaves fold down into a shaggy skirt, and removing them is optional. Cut each spent flower stalk low after it finishes. It blooms again in later years.
Snout weevils are the pest to watch for on yuccas. Leaves wilt or lean, the base goes soft, and the plant collapses. Good drainage and little water once rooted keep it healthy. Remove a collapsed plant and the soil around it so grubs do not spread.
It is rated to about 8°F. Keep the soil on the dry side in winter, since wet, cool soil leads to rot.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
How big does Mexican tree yucca get?
It is one of the largest yuccas. Over 20 to 50 years it can reach 25 to 40 feet tall and 8 to 15 feet wide, and record trees top 40 feet.
How fast does Mexican tree yucca grow?
It grows at a moderate pace. It takes decades to reach full tree size, so buy the largest size you can for more presence now.
When does it start to branch?
The trunk usually branches around 10 to 14 feet up. It branches faster in the wild than in gardens.
How far apart should I plant Mexican tree yucca?
Give each tree 10 to 15 feet, since the branches can spread 8 to 15 feet.
Why do the flowers hang down?
That is one of its trademarks. The long clusters of creamy white bells droop from the branch tips instead of standing upright.
When does Mexican tree yucca bloom?
Anywhere from spring into late summer, often July to August. It does not die after blooming.
How often should I water it?
Water more often until it roots in. After that it needs little water. It hates waterlogged roots, so let the soil dry between waterings.
Is Mexican tree yucca cold hardy?
Yes. It has come through 8°F with no damage, and in dry climates it is rated to about -10°F.
Does it need full sun?
It grows best in full sun. It can also grow in light shade.
Are any parts edible?
Yes. The fruit and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, and the young flower stalk is cooked like asparagus.
Is Mexican tree yucca toxic to pets?
Yucca is listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. In dogs and cats, chewing the leaves usually causes vomiting. The sharp leaf tips can also injure a pet.
Why is it called palma china?
Palma china and izote are its names in Mexico. Its strong leaf fibers have long been used for rope, baskets, mats and roofing.
Mexican Tree Yucca for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
Mexican tree yucca, or palma china, is a Chihuahuan Desert yucca that grows into a large, branching tree over the decades. It brings a bold shape and hanging white flowers to big desert yards. Below are the questions Valley homeowners ask most before planting one.
Sourced from trusted Arizona growers and delivered directly to your door, job site, or property. We deliver across the Valley and to nearby towns, and quote delivery anywhere else in Arizona.
How tall does Mexican tree yucca get in Arizona?
Over 20 to 50 years it can reach 25 to 40 feet tall with an 8 to 15 foot spread. The trunk usually branches around 10 to 14 feet up.
Mexican tree yucca flowers
Its long clusters of creamy white bells hang down from the branch tips, some well over 3 feet long. That drooping bloom sets it apart from most yuccas.
Watering Mexican tree yucca in the Valley
Water more often until it roots in, then little. It hates waterlogged roots, so plant it in fast-draining soil.
How far apart to plant Mexican tree yucca
Allow about 10 to 15 feet between trees. The branches need that room at full size.
Mexican tree yucca cold hardiness
It has come through 8°F with no damage. In dry climates it is rated as low as -10°F.
Palma china, izote and Yucca filifera
These are all names for the same plant. It comes from the Chihuahuan Desert of northeastern Mexico, where its fibers are used for rope and roofing.
We deliver across the Valley, from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa out to San Tan Valley, Maricopa and Casa Grande, and up to Prescott, Sedona, Payson and Globe. See delivery areas and rates.