Yucca x schottii [IB199]

“Mountain Yucca” is a species from relatively wet, mountainous areas of southeast Arizona, southwest New Mexico and adjacent northern Mexico, that deserves more attention. A tall and stately plant to 20' tall with a symmetrical crown of sharp-tipped leaves, it is still rare in cultivation but should be very adaptable, handling partial shade, cold temperatures, and moisture. Although the leaves are usually blue-green in the wild, all plants I have seen in cultivation have blue leaves. It thrives in Seattle, and in places like Silver Spring, Maryland, and its symmetrical form and screaming blue color are unparalleled. It has recently been reclassified as Y. madrensis but I think I will stick with the name Y. schottii for now to avoid confusion. This collection from 6,800' in the Catalina Mountains should result in plants that are hardy to at least -10 °F, perhaps lower. It's hard to choose, but this is my favorite Yucca, and, with some summer water, probably the best really large Yucca for the Seattle area. Another fleshy fruited species, so small packets only. Supply very limited.