Description

This relative of California’s chaparral yucca, Hesperoyucca whipplei, is a rare member of the species-rich succulent sage scrub of northwestern Baja California. This portion of the peninsula is considered part of the California Floristic Province which stretches from Ashland, Oregon through much of the coastal and central portions of the state, terminating a hundred miles or so down the coast of Baja. The range continues to the northern tip of Baja Sur. Peninsular candle grows as a mounding cluster of blue-gray, spiny rosettes. The chaparral yucca grows as a single rosette, typically. After many years, a tall “candle” will rise from the center of a rosette. topped with numerous creamy white flowers. Many rosettes may bloom in the same year. In the case of the chaparral yucca, the plant will die after blooming. With the peninsular candle, younger rosettes which do not bloom may survive while the blooming rosettes die back. Plant peninsular candle in highly porous soil in full sun. This plant should be considered experimental in areas with mild wet winters.