Banana Yucca

Banana yucca is one of the best native plants to our region that is also edible.

Although the banana yucca fruit doesn’t quite look or taste like a banana, it is about the size of a small avocado and tastes pleasantly sweet.

Botanical name: Yucca baccata

Other names: Baccata plant

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Banana yucca is an evergreen desert plant with long, succulent leaves.

It grows very slowly to 5 feet tall and wide. Stays low to the ground, growing like a shrub rather than a tall tree. Barely visible central trunk.

Pale blue-green leaves with fibrous strands and pointy tips.

When in bloom, many thick, white flowers grow from maroon-purple flower buds on a tall flower stalk.

Followed by oblong green fruits that have black seeds.

Plant banana yuccas directly in the ground for an informal desert look. They will spread and create a shrubby appearance.

For a formal, tidy, and symmetrical look, plant in a container.

Banana yuccas were historically an important source of food and fiber to the native population. The fruits are edible and fleshy and sweet. Roast the fruit to bring out the sweetness.

The flowers are edible as well.

Native pollinators love banana yuccas when in bloom.

Banana yucca is from slightly elevated warm and dry regions in the Southwest, USA and Northern Mexico.

Banana yucca is highly tolerant of drought, heat, and cold.

Soil: Loose, well draining alkaline soil that is lightly fertile.

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit for a short period of time.

Water: Does not need supplemental irrigation in many parts of California. Provide occasional irrigation during extreme heat in Palm Springs. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Either use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.

Sun: Full sun or partial sun.

Pests: Banana yucca has minimal pests which include mealybugs and scales.

To remove mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or apply rubbing alcohol directly to the area of infestation using a cotton swab.

To remove scales, pick them off or use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Horticultural oil will kill both crawlers and adults with direct contact. Insecticidal soap is better used to target only the crawlers.

Whenever using any kind of pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.

Fungal diseases from root rot, dry rot, and harsh weather conditions.

Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture (especially an the bottom of the yucca)

Signs of too little water: Shriveling leaves and stems

Signs of too much sun: Burning, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring

Propagate via seeds from the fruit.

How much does Banana Yucca cost?

At our nursery, banana yucca costs $45 for a 5 gallon container, $150 for a 15 gallon container, and $350 for a 25 gallon container.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date pricing information. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

How should I propagate banana yucca?

Collect the seeds from a ripe fruit and plant it in soil outdoors. It will germinate in the spring. Requires cool winter temperatures for germination.

How big are banana yucca fruits?

They’re about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide.