Iconic emblem of the Mojave Desert — actually a giant member of the agave family, not a tree. They depend on a single moth species (the yucca moth) for pollination, and seed germination is highly tied to climate.

Also called: Mojave Yucca

Native status: Native to Mojave Desert

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 4–10 m (12–35 ft); single multi-armed clumps
WeightN/A
Lifespan~50 years
OrderAsparagales
FamilyAsparagaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Yucca brevifolia is a plant species belonging to the genus Yucca. It is tree-like in appearance, which is reflected in its common names.

Source: Wikipedia — Yucca brevifolia Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Multi-trunked yucca with spiky leaves; cream flowers.

Similar species. Joshua Tree (single trunk). Other yuccas.

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Pollinated by yucca moths. Coevolved mutualism.

§ Range

Mojave Desert of California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah

§ Habitat

High desert, 2,000–6,000 feet elevation, sandy and gravelly soils

§ Threats

Climate-driven drought, fire from invasive grasses, range collapse projected by 2070, illegal removal for landscaping.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the joshua tree is currently classified as Vulnerable.

§ What helps

Support climate action. Don't buy wild-collected yucca. Donate to Mojave Desert Land Trust.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • iNaturalist
  • USDA Plants Database