Yucca harrimaniae

Family: Agavaceae – Agave Family

Yucca is the only genus from this family represented at Arches National Park; Succulent or subsucculent, perennial; monocot

Leaves: parallel veined; basal; simple; stiff, long, sharp-pointed leaves; strong fibers in leaves; 3.9” to 1.6' (1 to 5 dm) long, 0.28” to 1.6” (0.7 to 4 cm) wide

Flowers: 3 bell-shaped (white to cream to greenish and tinged with purple) petals; 3 white or green sepals; 6 stamens; 3 stigmas; perfect; flowers 1.6” to 2.4” (4 to 6 cm) long, 0.64” to 1.4” (1.6 to 3.5 cm) wide

Pollinators: yucca moth

Fruits: Large seed pods – dry capsule

Blooms in Arches National Park: April, May, June

Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub, grassland and pinyon-juniper communities

Location seen: widespread, Park Avenue, park road mile 7, Windows, Devils Garden, park road approximately mile 6 to 8

Other: The genus name, “Yucca”, is a Caribbean name for a totally different plant. The species name, “harrimaniae”, honors Mr. Edward Henry Harriman (a railroad tycoon) and Mrs. Mary Harriman, philanthropists who funded collecting expeditions. Mr. Edward Henry Harriman organized and led the Harriman Alaska Expedition in 1899 taking his whole family along. This plant was named for Mrs. Harriman.

This plant has a deep taproot (at least 30' long).

Yucca used to be in the Liliaceae (Lily) family.