Shrubs and Cactus
Common Plant Name Latin Name Height Spread Evergn Decid Light Water Color Months Bloom Type Plant Wildlife Tx. Native Deer Res. Comments Maintenance
Agarita Berberis trifoliolata 3-7' 3-6' E Sun/part shade L Yellow Mar-Apr Shrub Bird, Butterfly, Small Mammals √ √+ Sharp holly-like foliage. Excellent nesting shrub for birds. Is also a good deer deterrent to other plants protected by the Agarita. Prune for shape only
                             
Agave, Celsii Agave celsii 2' 2' E Sun/part shade L Green to Reddish purple May Shrub   Mexico √+ Native of Mexico. Forms individual rosettes with offsets that can form extensive colonies. This agave is a good choice for shadier areas. It will also take more water and humidity than most agaves. It is frost tender at 15 degrees.  Flowering stalk can be up to 5' tall.  
                             
Agave, Century Plant Agave americana 1-6' 1-6' E Sun L     Shrub Bird √ √+ Lives a long time but dies after blooming. Choose location carefully because it will grow to 6' wide and the leaves have long sharp spines. The deer don't eat this plant but they will rub their horns against the leaves.  
                             
Agave, Chrysantha or Golden-Flowered Agave chrysantha 3' 5' E Sun L Yellow At end of life cycle Shrub   Arizona √+ Generally forms a single rosette, suckering only occasionally. Native to central Arizona. Leaves are deeply channeled & usually blue-gray in color.  
                             
Agave, Parryi truncata Agave parryi truncata 2' 3' E Sun L Yellow orange Late spring to summer Shrub   Mexico √+ Southern variety of Agave Parryi. Frost hardy to 15 degrees. Like all agaves, the plant will only flower once, after which the original plant will die. The deer don't eat this plant but they will rub their horns against the leaves. This agave is distinguished from other varieties by its small broad leaves with truncate tips; eventually wider than long. The dusty silver-blue foliage is edged with black spines.  
                             
Agave, Parrys Agave parryi 2' 2.5' E Sun L Yellow orange Late spring to summer Shrub     √+ Native range from central Arizona to Mexico. Like all agaves, the plant will only flower once, after which the original plant will die.  
                             
Agave, Schidigera Agave schidigera 2' 2.5' E Sun L Red orange Late spring to summer Shrub   Mexico √+ Mature Agave schidigera produce a flower spike 7-12 feet tall, with yellow flowers. The rosette that produced the spike dies after blooming. This agave has stemless rosette with 100 leaves or more per rosette, each leaf has white markings, sharp tips and marginal fibers.  
                             
Agave, Thorn -Crested Agave lophantha 2' 4' E Sun/part shade L Yellow spike Summer Shrub Butterfly √ √+ Great under story plant for lightly wooded area. Will send out shoots & easily multiply. Like all agaves, the plant will only flower once, after which the original plant will die. Native to Rio Grande Plains in S. Texas. Generally found growing on gravelly limestone & rocky outcrops.  
                             
Agave, Thread-leaf Agave filifera 20" 26" E Sun to light shade L Green with red to purple stamens At end of life cycle Shrub   Mexico √+ Generally forms a clump of many dense rosettes. Very similar to agave, schidigera and they frequently hybridize.  
                             
Agave, Victoria Reginae Agave 'Victoria-Reginae' 8-10" 20-28" E Sun L Creamy white  At end of life cycle Shrub   Mexico √+ Dark green leaves with white stripes along the outer part & a black terminal spine. Generally a solitary rosette. Plant is very slow growing. Excellent for container gardening.  
                             
American Beautyberry Callicarpa americana 3-6' 5-7' D Part shade / shade M Purple fruit Fall Shrub Bird, Small Mammals √   Best feature is fall berries. Needs deeper soil and prefers dependable soil. Shaping not necessary
                             
Barbaros Cherry Malpighia glabra 2-10' 1-4' E Sun/part shade M White to pale pink Mar-Dec Shrub Butterfly, Small Mammals √   Generally grows in thickets in the southern Coastal Prairie. Fruit is edible.  
                             
Barberry, Crimson Pigmy Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson' 1.5-2' 1-3' D Sun/part shade LM Maroon foliage   Shrub     √ Beautiful foliage and shape has winter interest. best color in full sun, prefers sandy well drained soil Can prune for a natural look but shaping not necessary. Don't shear.
                             
Beach Vitex Vitex rotundifolia 2-4'     Sun to part shade   Blue - purple Late summer Shrub       Sprawling low shrub with fragrant tubular flowers. Interesting plant for rock gardens; Xeriscape plant.  
                             
Bee Brush or Whitebrush Aloysia gratissima 8' 5' D Sun   White After rains in warm months Shrub Bird, Butterfly, Small Mammals √   Slender shrub. Flowers have strong vanilla scent. It can grow in dense thickets under mesquite trees. Typically found in South Texas Plains. Plant can be pruned into a hedge or a small tree.
                             
Bottlebrush, Dwarf Callistemon citrinus 'LittleJohn' 3' 5' E Sun M Red Spring Shrub Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbird   √ Nice rounded growth habit but slow grower. Once established needs only occasional water.  
                             
Bottlebrush, Lemon or Crimson Callistemon citrinus 8-10' 8-10' E Sun M Red Spring Shrub Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbird   √ Bottle-brush shaped flowers in spring are spectacular. Sometimes planted 4-6' apart to provide a screen. Likes occasional deep watering but can tolerate little water when established. Leaves have lemony flavor when crushed. It doesn't bloom as much if sheared.
                             
Bush Croton or Encinilla Croton fruticulosus 3'     Part shade, full sun       Shrub   √     Prune for shape only
                             
Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii 5' 5' D Sun/part shade M Various Summer to Fall Shrub Butterfly, Hummingbird     Cone shaped flower clusters provide a staple for butterfly & hummingbird gardens. Likes well drained, average soil but will thrive in drier conditions once established. Prune to produce larger & more prolific flowers.
                             
Button Bush Cephalanthus occidentalis 10' 6-8' D Part shade, full sun H White globes Summer Shrub Bird, Butterfly √   Can sit in 0-12" water. Real butterfly magnet & attracts more than 25 species of waterfowl. Prune only to direct and control growth.
                             
Cactus, Cholla Opuntia imbricata 8'   E Full sun L Pink to purple Late spring to early summer Shrub   √   Endemic to the far Southwest tip of Texas. Also called tree cholloa. Has stem segments that can grow up to 14" long and 1.2" thick with prominent tubercles. The cholloa can even form a thicket in open areas. Plant does have spines so don't plant close to walkways.  
                             
Cactus, Golden barrel Echinocactus grusonii 3' 3' E Full sun L Yellow Spring Shrub       Very slow growing cylindrical cactus. The flowers are produced only on mature specimens receiving enough full sun. The flowers are small & blend in with the cactus.
  
                             
Cactus, Horse crippler Echinocactus texensis 8" 1' E Full sun to light shade L Pink Late spring Shrub   √ √+ Heavily spined cactus which can be a hazard to horses. The plant is solitary when young and slowly clusters.  
                             
Cactus, Pencil Opuntia leptocaulis 3-Jan   E Part shade, full sun L Green/yellow Apr-Jul Shrub   √     Prune only to direct and control growth.
                             
Cactus, Prickly Pear Opuntia lindheimeri 3 2-4' E Part shade, full sun L Yellow to red May-Aug Shrub   √     Prune only to direct and control growth.
                             
Cactus, Spineless Prickly Pear Opuntia ellisiana 4   E Part shade, full sun L Yellow Apr-May Shrub       Provides excellent all year round structure in Xeriscape garden. Prune only to direct and control growth.
                             
Cactus, Texas Rainbow or Spiny Hedgehog Echinocactus dasyacanthus 2-6" 1-4" E Full sun to light shade L Yellow March Shrub   √ √+    
                             
Cenizo 'Green Cloud' or Texas Sage Leucophyllum frutescens 6-8' 6-8' E Sun L Rose purple Mar-Oct Shrub Hummingbird, Bird √ √+ Compact, upright evergreen shrub with gray-green foliage that provides good color contract to other plants. Blooms often and profusely. Frequently blooms after a rain. Vigorous growth habit. Drought tolerant and performs best on alkaline soils. Good for screening. Can prune for a natural look but shaping not necessary. Don't shear.
                             
Cenizo, "Convent" leucophyllum frutescens "Convent" 6' 6' E Sun L Purple Apr-Oct Shrub Hummingbird, Bird   √+ The silver foliage provides the traditional cenizo look with a brighter than usual flower.  
                             
Cenizo, Compact leucophyllum frutescens 'Compactum" 4' 4' E Sun L Lavendar Mar-Oct Shrub Hummingbird, Bird   √+ Compact Texas Sage is a moderately sized cenizo with dense, soft, silvery-grey foliage. It shears well and is easy to maintain. Very drought tolerant and grows best in well drained soils. It is useful as an accent or evergreen hedge.  
                             
Cenizo, Green Cloud Leucophyllum frutescens 6-8' 6-8' E Sun L Rose purple Mar-Oct Shrub Hummingbird, Bird √ √+ Compact, upright evergreen shrub with gray-green foliage that provides good color contract to other plants.. Blooms often and profusely. Frequently blooms after a rain. Vigorous growth habit. Drought tolerant and performs best on alkaline soils. Good for screening. Can prune for a natural look but shaping not necessary. Don't shear.
                             
Chile Pequin Capsicum annuum 2-4' 2-4' D Sun/part shade L White Mar-Nov Shrub Bird √ √ Peppers are very hot. Perennial only in mild winter but will reseed. Prune, removing top half at end of May. Prune to a 3" height in mid-winter or after first frost browns leaves.
                             
Copper Canyon Daisy Tagetes lemmonii 3-4' 4-5' D Sun L Yellow Winter & early spring Shrub Butterfly   √+ Strongly scented plant with daisy-like flower. Hardy to 25 degrees. Origin is southern Arizona & Mexico. Ample water first summer than little to moderate water. Cut to 3" in late winter to promote dense growth & good flowering. Generally pruned as a mound.
                             
Cotoneaster Cotoneaster spp. 3-5' 4-7' E Sun/part shade M Red berries   Shrub Bird   √ Berries attractive & attracts birds Prune for a natural look if desired
                             
Dalea, Black Dalea frutescens 1-3' 3-5' D Sun L Purple Fall Shrub Butterfly √   Works well in mass plantings. Very drought tolerant. Fine ferny texture gives a great contrast to cactus and grasses. Long roots will find water some distance away. Prune, removing top half at end of May. Prune to a 3" height in mid-winter or after first frost browns leaves. Mulch for winter.
                             
Elbow Bush Forestiera angustifolia 3-8'   D Sun L Greenish yellow Feb-Mar Shrub Bird, Small Mammals √   Common in open woodlands, brushy areas & near streams. Prune for shape only
                             
Flame Acanthus Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii 3-4' 4' D Sun/part shade M Orange Summer to Fall Shrub Bird, Butterfly √ √+ Readily reseeds. Can be used as a perennial hedge. Prune, removing top half at end of May. Prune to a 3" height in mid-winter or after first frost browns leaves.
                             
Germander, Bush, Silver Teucrium fruticans 4-6' 4-6' D Sun to shade L Lavendar Summer Shrub     √ Don't over water; attractive silver foliage. Western Mediterranean native is at home in our soils and climate. Silvery gray shoots make an attractive addition to floral arrangements. Minor pruning will keep plant compact.  
                             
Holly, Dwarf Chinese Ilex cornuta 'Rotunda' 3-4' 3-6' E Sun/part shade L     Shrub     √ Low mounding shrub that maintains a formal shape Pruning not required
                             
Indigo Bush, Texas Amorpha roemerana 3-10' 8' D Sun/part shade M Blue - purple Spring Shrub   √   Endemic to Edwards Plateau. Likes some water so put in low spot. Prune for shape only
                             
Lindheimer Senna Cassia lindheimeriana 4' 4' D Sun/part shade L Yellow Late summer to fall Shrub Butterfly √ √ Effective in wildflower garden, used as background or specimen plant. Plant Seep Muhly or Black Dalea in front to hide bareness & create a complementary show in the fall. Nice gray foliage. Soil that is too rich or moist will produce tall and floppy plants; needs good drainage. Leaves when brewed as tea, are a strong laxative. Prune for shape right after bloom. Cut to ground in the winter.
                             
Mimosa, Pink Mimosa boreatis 2'-6' 3'-4' D Full sun, part shade L Pink Mar-May Shrub   √   Shown to best advantage when naturalized in a cluster with mesquites as a backdrop. Very drought tolerant & can take reflected heat. If not naturalized, looks best at back of a flower bed or in a sparsely planted rock garden. Prune for shape only
                             
Mistflower, Fragrant Eupatorium odoratum or Eupatorium havanense 2-6' 2-5' D Sun/part shade M White Fall Shrub Hummingbird, Butterfly √   One a year, cut it back to half to keep bushy and flowers bloom longer & better on new growth. In hard winter may die back to the roots. Has naturally arching branches so good in raised bed. More tolerant of drought conditions than most mistflowers. Will bloom in shade but blooms more profusely in sunnier conditions. Good as edge plant and makes showy fall plant in garden. Cut top half at end of May. Prune to 3" after first frost browns leaves. Mulch in winter.
                             
Mistflower, White or Wright's Boneset Eupatorium wrightii 1-2' 1-2' D Sun/part shade M White Fall Shrub Hummingbird, Butterfly √   Native to W. TX mountain area. Likes moisture but more tolerant than most mist flowers. Heavy shearing in the winter will promote denser shape & more flowers following year. Cut top half at end of May. Prune to 3" after first frost browns leaves. Mulch in winter.
                             
Myrtle, Dwarf or Sweet Myrtus communis "compacta" 3-4' 3-4' E Sun to light shade L White to pale pink Fall Shrub Butterfly, Bird   √ Symbol of divine generosity. Takes pruning well & can be used for a hedge. Culinary herb. Blueberry like fruit in the fall. Must have good drainage for will develop root rot. Susceptible to scale insects & spider mites. Prune for shape only.
                             
Nolina or Sacahuista or Basket Grass Nolina texana 1.5-2.5' 3-4' E Sun/part shade L White Apr-Jun Shrub Butterfly √ √+ Good on dry slopes, grows well under live oaks. Native Americans used the leaves for weaving baskets and mats. Remove old bloom stalks at base if desired
                             
Nolina, Bear Grass Tree Nolina matapensis 6' 4' E Sun L White Summer Shrub     √+ Plant grows about 3" a year.  
                             
Nolina, Blue or Blue Beargrass Tree Nolina nelsonii 20' 8' E Sun/part shade   White Summer Shrub     √+ Leaves are wider & stiffer than other nolinas & can be mistaken for a yucca. Leaves are edged with tiny teeth.Blue Nolina grows at a moderate rate, eventually developing a 10 to 12' tall trunk, crowned by a 4 to 5' rosette of foliage. When the 10'-12' tall clumps mature, a 4' tall bloom stalk will appear with tiny white flowers. Old leaves persist along the trunk, resulting in a naturally shaggy look. These dead leaves can be removed for a neater appearance.
                             
Nolina, Devil Shoestring or Ribbon Grass Nolina lindheimeriana 1.5-2.5' 3-4' E Sun/part shade L Cream   Shrub   √ √+ Endemic to Edwards Plateau. Remove old bloom stalks at base if desired
                             
Nolina, Mexican Grass Tree Nolina longifolia 6'   E Sun/light shade L White   Shrub     √+ The long, strap-shaped foliage hangs down to almost cover the trunk or can be cut higher up so the trunk can be seen.  
                             
Ocotillo or Candlewood Fouqueiria splendens up to 20'   D Sun L Red Spring Shrub Hummingbird √ √+ Native to far West Texas, and other desert regions of southwestern USA. The plant has many slender woody stems from the base of the plant, just below ground level. The stems are spiny & leafless except it develops small leaves about 5 days after getting water. The leaves turn brown & drop off when water is scarce. In spring, there are flower spikes at the ends of the stems.  
                             
Oleander Nerium oleander 5-15' 5-15' E Sun VL Varies Summer Shrub     √+ Poisonous to wildlife. May freeze. Susceptible to a bacterial blight. Pruning not required.
                             
Palmetto Palm-Dwf Texas Sabal minor 4-5' 4-6' E Sun/part shade M     Shrub   √ √ Likes moist shady spots. Needs plenty of water to get established but after that it is fairly drought tolerant. But water to prevent lower leaves from dying back. Native to East Texas. Prune only to remove damaged fronds
                             
Primrose, Jasmine Jasminum mesnyi 6' 15' E Sun/part shade M Yellow Spring to summer Shrub     √ Nice for hanging over walls or cliffs. It can be trained like a vine if given support. May die to the ground in a hard freeze but will usually come back in the spring. Can also be used for erosion control since the stems will take root where they touch the ground. Benefits from being protected from the full mid-day sun in Central Texas. Native to China. Prune if desired after flowering since it flowers on the prior season's growth. Can be a hedge.
                             
Pyracantha Pyracantha coccinea 5'   E Sun/part shade L White spring Shrub Bird        
                             
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis 4' 4-6' E Sun L Blue On and off all year Shrub     √+ Drought tolerant once established. Requires good drainage. Culinary herb. May desire to cut back by half in winter to keep more compact shape
                             
Sage, Blue Shrub or Mejorana Salvia ballotaeflora 3-4' 2-3' D Sun L Blue May-Oct Shrub Hummingbird √ √ Aromatic gray-green foliage.  
                             
Sage, Canyon Salvia lycioides 1' 1.5' D Sun/part shade       Shrub   √ √ Similar to Englemann Sage and Texas Sage but native to Trans-Pecos. It is shrubby in habit but dies back to the ground some years. Cut it back after it finishes blooming.
                             
Sage, Mountain Salvia regla 3-5' 3-4' D Part shade M Red to orange Spring to frost Shrub Hummingbird √ √ Native to West Texas. Look for "mount Emory" variety for cold hardy species. Does best beneath taller shrub or tree that provides afternoon shade. This is a favorite of hummingbirds as they head south for the winter. Cut top half at end of May. Prune to 3" after first frost browns leaves. Mulch in winter.
                             
Sage, Pineapple Salvia elegans 2-3'     Sun/part shade   Red Best in fall Shrub     √ Often used as a culinary herb. It is delicious as a tea or added to other herbs in drinks, fruit salads, etc. The bright red flowers are most profuse in the fall. Flower is edible. Spreads by short underground runners. Plants will freeze to the ground with hard frost but will come back. Cut top half at end of May. Prune to 3" after first frost browns leaves. Mulch in winter.
                             
Salvia, Greggii Salvia greggii 2-3' 2-3' E Sun/part shade M Various Mar-Nov Shrub Bird, Hummingbird, Butterfly √ √+ Lots of flower colors to choose from. Only has about 6 yr life. Loved by hummingbirds. Keep snipping off tips to bloom constantly. Cut in half in early spring to keep low-growing and dense.
                             
Salvia, Microphylla Salvia microphylla 2-3' 3-4' E Sun to light shade L Various Srping & Fall Shrub Hummingbird, Butterfly   √ This Salvia has a similar look to Salvia greggii except it has a finer texture and smaller leaf. The two plants are almost identical in their cultivation requirements. Keep snipping off tips to bloom constantly. Cut in half in early spring to keep low-growing and dense.
                             
Silk Tassel Garrya ovata G. lindheimeri 6-15'   E Sun to shade L Pink on female Mar-Apr Shrub   √ √ Fast growing, densely foliated, drought & shade tolerant. Can prune to hedge; good with deciduous plants; lush evergreen. Found on rocky slopes, ledges & bluffs as well as along stream beds & ravines. Prune for shape only or to raise canopy
                             
Sotol Wheeler or Blue sotol Dasylirion wheeler 3-4' 4' E Sun L     Shrub   √ √+ Looks best when not crowded. Plant with other drought resistant, low growing plants such as Blackfoot daisies, Winecups or Prairie verbena. Long blade-like leaves with sharp edges so give plenty of space in pedestrian areas. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
                             
Sotol, Texas or Green sotol Dasylirion texanum 2-3' 4' E Sun L Yellowish spike Early Summer Shrub   √ √+ Looks best when not crowded.  Plant with other drought resistant, low growing plants such as Blackfoot daisies, Winecups or Prairie verbena.  Long blade-like leaves with sharp edges so give plenty of space in pedestrian areas. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
                             
Sumac, Evergreen Rhus virens 8-12' 8' E Sun or shade L White Late summer Shrub Bird, Butterfly √ √ Leaves stay green or turn burgundy in winter & then drop, but replaced by new leaves within a week. Hates over watering. Can prune if desired, but not necessary
                             
Sumac, Fragrant or Aromatic Sumac or Lemon Sumac or Skunkbush Rhus trilobata var. trilobata 3-6' 4-6' D Sun/part shade L Red spikes turning yellow Spring Shrub Bird, Butterfly √ √ Releases a spicy fragrance when the leaves are rubbed. Often takes root at the base of a larger plant. Achieves best shape and fall color in full sun. In masses, can be pruned for even texture and uniform height, or if left natural they will form dense mounds.
                             
Turk's Cap Malvaviscus drummondii 2-3' 3-5' D Sun to shade L Red Summer Shrub Bird, Hummingbird, Butterfly √ √ Prefers moist shady spot near streams & springs. Good fruit for wildlife. Colonizing. Susceptible to freeze. Prune to keep confined or when leggy.
                             
Viburnum, Sandankwa Viburnum suspensum 6-8' 6-8' E Sun to shade M White Spring Shrub     √ Flowers in early spring, followed by red fruit. Needs regular water until well established. Leaves are deeply textured with a heavy odor when crushed. Requires deep soil & good drainage. Good as a screen or foundation shrub. Best not to over prune; selectively prune to direct growth.. Should be given moderate space & allowed to grow naturally in a sunny, well-drained soil.
                             
Wax Leaf Myrtle Myrica cerifera 6-12' 8-15' E Sun/part shade M     Shrub Bird, Butterfly, Small Mammals √ √ Might colonize to form a thicket. Grows best in deeper soils. Foliage aromatic when crushed. Wildlife loves berries. Native to East Texas. Prune for shape only or to raise canopy
                             
Wax Myrtle, Dwarf Myrica pusilla 2-6' 5' E Sun/part shade M     Shrub   √   Colonizes by stolons & underground runners. Will need supplemental watering. Tough adaptable shrub makes a good screen. Prune for shape only
                             
Woolly Butterflybush Buddleja marrubiifolia 3-5' 3-5' E Sun/part shade L Orange Summer Shrub Butterfly √   Native to Southern Trans-Pecos area. Somewhat tender in Austin area. Place in protected corner or pot that you bring inside. Looks good next to Brasil & Mountain Laurel for color contrast. Needs good drainage. Shaping not necessary
                             
Yaupon Holly, dwarf Ilex vomitoria 'Nana' 2-4' 2-4' E Sun/part shade L White Summer Shrub Bird, Small Mammals √ √ Low mounding shrub Can prune if desired, but not necessary
                             
Yucca, Arkansas Yucca arkansana 2-3' 1-2' E Sun/part shade L White Spring Shrub Butterfly √ √ Can be an understory plant in the shade or will grow in full sun. The smallest of our native yucca's.  
                             
Yucca, Banana Yucca baccata 4-6' 10' E Sun/light shade   Greenish white Spring Shrub Small Mammals   √ Native in Arizona. The flowers are on a spike 2-3' above main clump. The fruit is 4-6" long, shaped like a banana & is edible. (Once a food source for native Americans) Older plants may form a small 3-5" trunk. Older plants may also form clusters up to 15' in spread. The clustering stem habit with short, usually curving trunks, and the elongated flowers help to distinguish this yucca from similiar species. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
                             
Yucca, Big Red Hesperaloe funifera 6' 6' E Sun/light shade L Greenish white   Shrub     √ Can form clumps of tightly grouped rosettes up to 6'. The leaves have a distinct yellow-green color and range from 4-6' long and 1-2" wide at the widest part. Red-tipped yucca has darker green, rolled leaves.  
                             
Yucca, Buckley Yucca constricta 5' 4' E Sun/part shade L Greenish white Spring to Summer Shrub   √ √ Good for Xeriscape planting. Does not like good soil.  
                             
Yucca, Paleleaf Yucca pallida 1' 2' E Sun/part shade L White Summer Shrub Butterfly √ √ Endemic to Blackland Prairies & adjacent limestone slopes. Broad leaves are beautiful pale blue green & stand only a foot tall. Similar to the Twistleaf yucca. Deer won't eat leaves but will eat blooms. Paleleaf yucca has flattened leaves or upturned edges but lacks the twisted & curved natured of Twistleaf yucca and has lighter colored leaves. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
                             
Yucca, Red tip Hesperaloe parviflora 2-4' 4' E Sun L Coral spike Spring to Summer Shrub Hummingbird √ √ May colonize. Deer love the blooms. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
                             
Yucca, Schottii or Mountain yucca Yucca schottii 10-15'   E Part shade to Sun L White Early Summer Shrub       This grows naturally in open or shaded spots in oak woodland and pine-oak forests, between 4000 and 5000 foot elevations. It is one of the few yuccas that can tolerate the shade of trees and more moist conditions. It can tolerate full sun but in extremely hot & dry areas it should be given supplemental water in the summer. Young plants of Mountain yucca have a single, unbranched trunk to about 12 feet tall, while older plants may have more than one trunk from the base. The dense rosette is made up of smooth stiff blue-green leaves that measure 2.5 feet long by 2 inches wide. Native to Arizona & New Mexico.  
                             
Yucca, Soaptree Yucca elata 6-15' 6-12' E Sun L White Spring to Summer Shrub   √ √ Native to Chihuanhuan desert in SW Texas & Mexico. Distinctive single trunk with arm-like branches; best with old dry leaves left in place. Only one flower emerges from each branch clump per season. The pollination is done exclusively by the Yucca Moth (Tegeticula yuccasella). The fruit ripen from August to September. The flower is the state flower of New Mexico. The pulped roots can be used to produced soap, this is why this yucca is called 'soaptree'. The buds, flowers and stalks are edible, raw or cooked. Very difficult to transplant! Can be distinguished from Yucca rostrata by the white leaf margin filaments.  
                             
Yucca, Softleaf Yucca pendula 3' + bloom 3' E Sun/part shade L White Apr-May Shrub   √ √ Endemic to the Blackland prairies and SE US. Water regular 1-2x per month during hot season. Not as tolerant as other yuccas; best in sandy loam with good drainage. Spreads by offsets to make large groups. Easy to grow. Deer will eat the blooms but not the foliage. Soft, pliable foliage. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
                             
Yucca, Spanish Bayonet or Spanish Dagger Yucca aloifolia 10-15' 5' E Sun/part shade L White Jun-Jul Shrub     √ Low water usage. Slow grower with a single or branched trunk or sprawling shape. Deer will eat the blooms but not the foliage. Linear leaves are arranged in a spiral & crowed tightly around the stem. Each leaf is 12-20" long and approx. 1" wide with small sharp teeth along the edge & a very sharp dark-colored terminal spine.  
                             
Yucca, Spanish Dagger Yucca treculeana 5-25'   E Sun L White Apr-May Shrub   √ √ Typically a single trunk; often older ones have several branches that give the appearance of a giant candelabra. Leaf color ranges from dark green to blue-green. Very sharp leaves so don't plant close to a walk-way. Deer will eat the blooms but not the foliage. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
                             
Yucca, Thompson Yucca thompsoniana 4-8' 5' E Sun to light shade L White Apr-May Shrub   √ √ From Southwestern Texas. Hardy to 10 degrees. This yucca is tree-like with one to three trunk-like stems rising asymmetrically 3-8' high. Leaf heads are compact and tidy and composed of relatively few leaves. The stout, 2-3' flowering stalk holds a dense panicle of white flowers slightly above the foliage. Deer will eat the blooms but not the foliage. Very similiar to Yucca rostrata (Beaked Yucca) but smaller.  
                             
Yucca, Torrey Yucca torreyi 3-25'   E Sun to light shade L White Late Spring Shrub   √ √ Clumping columnar rosettes. Native to the Chihuahuan Desert, this Yucca is one of the most common tree-like Yuccas seen in West Texas. This Yucca can reach heights of 10-30' tall so make sure to give it plenty of room when planting. Slow growing. Sharp, pointed leaves 2 1/2" long & 2" wide with dark green coloring. Resembles Yucca baccata. Succulent white flowers are abundant on terminal spikes in spring above foliage. Native to New Mexico & Texas into Mexico. Drought tolerant but needs good drainage. The plant shape is asymmetrical and it can have an untidy appearance, giving it the name "Old Shag", but it can be trimmed for a neater appearance in the landscape.
                             
Yucca, Tree or St. Peter's Palm Yucca australis or Yucca filifera 25'   E Sun L Creamy white   Shrub     √+ Native to Mexico. Has a columnar rosette approx. 3' wide, often branched at the base of the plant but rarely branching above ground level. Leaves have brown to gray fibers along the margins.  
                             
Yucca, Twistleaf Yucca rupicola 1-2' 5'+ E Sun/part shade L White Apr-Jun Shrub Bird, Butterfly √ √ Endemic to Edwards Plateau. Old leaves are twisted. Deer eat blooms but not foliage. Remove old bloom stalk at base. Divide if crowded.