Xeriscape Landscape Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
Pictures, Photos, And Planting Information,
Succulents

Giant Hesperaloe, Hesperaloe funifera

Giant Hesperaloe Hesperaloe funifera, Agave Family ( Agaveae or Agavaceae ), Giant Hesperaloe. Also called: New Mexico False Yucca, Giant Yucca, Coahuilan Hesperaloe, or Samandoque. Hesperaloe funifera is an acaulescent perennial with a rosette habit. It is the largest of the Hesperaloes, a genus closely related to Yucca, it forms a massive, upright, rosette of heavy, stiff, yellow - green leaves and they form a plant that can reach a diameter and height of nearly 6 feet. It is still not commonly in cultivation. It prefers a sunny location in well drained soil and can take drought as well as freezing conditions. The strong fibers H. funifera are used in Northern Mexico for cord products. Recent interest in the Hesperaloe species is focused on the potential use of the fibers for paper. Height: 6 feet tall. It spreads to about 6 feet. Flowers: A large stalk emerges from the center of the plant, it becomes 12 to 15 feet tall. Then cream - white flowers emerge from the spike in the summer, the flowers are campanulate with erect, greenish-white tepals about 3/4 inch long. Blooming Time: Phoenix Arizona, Mid April - May. Leaves: The leaves are stiff, broad, light green leaves with coarse white fibers along their margins. They are narrowly lanceolate, rigid, marginally filiferous, 3 - 6 feet long, 3/4 - 1 1/2 inches wide, thick at the base, and tapered toward the apex. Found: Native to the Northern Mexico states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and San Luis Potosi. Elevation: 0 - 7,600 Feet. In Arizona. Habitat: It grows well in sand, sandy loam, clay and other heavy soils. It needs good drainage and aeration. It is tolerant of alkali. Miscellaneous: Maintenance: Low. Photos Taken; March 16, 2006. Westbrook Village. March 23, 2006 Arrowhead Ranch.