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Glite Dictionary
Yucca glauca

Yucca glauca

8.9
A plant from west-central US with long narrow leaves at the base and a tall stalk of small white flowers
  • noun
  • /ˈjʌkə ˈɡlɔːkə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : yucca glauca
  • Each spring, the Yucca glauca produces a large stalk covered with white blossoms.

Examples

  • The tough leaves of the Yucca glauca were traditionally used by Native Americans for making rope.

  • Gardeners value Yucca glauca for its drought resistance and distinctive appearance.

  • The Yucca glauca thrives in arid conditions.

  • In the garden, we planted a Yucca glauca next to the pathway.

  • Each spring, the Yucca glauca produces a large stalk covered with fragrant white blossoms.

  • Gardeners appreciate Yucca glauca for its drought resistance and unique foliage.

  • The striking appearance of the Yucca glauca makes it a popular choice in desert landscaping.

Synonyms

yucca
vsYucca glauca
4 7.1

A plant with long stiff pointed leaves and white flowers that grows in warm dry places

is a specific species with grasslike basal leaves and tall stalked whitish flowers
bear grass
vsYucca glauca
  • US
9.1

A plant that lives for many years with long leaves like grass and tall stalks of white flowers

is the particular species that forms basal leaf clumps and small whitish flower clusters

Surface Forms

Yucca glauca singular
Yucca glaucas plural

Morphology

yucca + glauca

This is a taxonomic binomial combining the genus name 'yucca' with a specific epithet; a learner who knows the constituents will readily infer it denotes a type/species of yucca. Although 'glauca' is Latin and may be unfamiliar in everyday vocabulary, the compositional pattern (noun + modifier as a species name) makes the overall meaning transparent.

Etymology

Yucca glauca paints a simple picture: a low clump of stiff, blue-grey leaves with a tall stalk of small white flowers. The word glauca means 'blue-grey', so the name helps you remember this particular yucca and even why people once used its tough leaves for rope.