New Mexico State Flower
Yucca (common name) Yucca glauca (scientific name) Overview Several types of yucca are found in New Mexico, and natives have long used the plants’ roots to make soap and to treat injuries. Fibers and leaves were also used to weave baskets and mats and to make brooms. The yucca became the New Mexico state flower in 1927, though no particular type was specified. Common names for yucca plants include soapweed, Adam's needle, Spanish dagger, and Spanish bayonet. There are about 50 species, though not all are native to New Mexico. Yucca glauca is one of the more manageable native species often found in gardens as well as in the wild, so it’s often used when the symbol is required. Yucca is perennial made up of long, pointed, evergreen leaves that grow straight up out of the ground. Flower stalks grow straight up out of the middle of the plant, often rising much higher than the leaves. Bell-like flowers grow in narrow panicles near the end of the stem, perhaps 20 to 60 per stem, and are normally white and fragrant, especially at night. They feature one pistil and six stamens per flower. After flowering, the plants produce oblong seed capsules that have a creamy color and a woody texture. Close-up STATUS Official PHYSICAL DETAILS Duration: Perennial Plant: 3–4 ft (1–1.2 m) wide bush Mature Height: up to 4 1/2 ft (1.4 m) Flowering: July through August Flowers: 2.5 in (6.4 cm) long tubes or bells Flower Color: White Leaves: 20–30 in (50–76 cm) long, sharply pointed, evergreen Fruit/Seed Color: Off-white HABITAT Location: Arid, well-drained slopes Range: Texas west to New Mexico, north to Wyoming and into Alberta, east to North Dakota and Iowa through Arkansas TRIVIA Yucca plants are pollinated by moths and small flies. The moths carry pollen from one flower to another, and also lay their eggs inside the flower. When the moth larvae hatch, they eat some of the yucca seeds, but not enough to prevent the plant from reproducing. Yuccas also give food and shelter to a number of native creatures, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals, and even cows and deer will eat the blossoms. Plants provide food and nesting for small mammals, birds and reptiles.
	Click to enlarge an image Yucca Flower Blooming Yucca Close-up of Yucca Flower Yucca Seed Pod CLASSIFICATION Kingdom: Plantae Subkingdom: Tracheobionta Superdivision: Spermatophyta Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Subclass: Liliidae Order: Liliales Family: Agavaceae Genus: Yucca Species: Y. glauca
	Author: World Trade Press