Editing Yucca (section)

{{Short description|Plant genus in the agave subfamily}}
{{About|the genus comprising species of perennials, shrubs, and trees|the species of root vegetable sometimes called "yuca"|Cassava|other uses|Yucca (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Automatic taxobox
| image = Yucca elata - tmcelrath 01.jpg
| image_alt = A plant with many narrow, sharply pointed leaves at the base of the plant pointing outwards in every direction to form a rough ball shape. From the center of the plant an inflorescence extends upwards almost twice as tall as the leaves, branching halfway up with many white flowers that hang downward. It is growing in an area of white sand with very little vegetation.
| image_caption = ''[[Yucca elata]]'' in [[White Sands National Park]], New Mexico
| taxon = Yucca
| authority = [[L.]]
| subdivision_ranks = [[Species]]
| subdivision = See [[List of Yucca species|List of ''Yucca'' species]]
| range_map = Yucca genus range.svg
| range_map_caption = ''Yucca'' in North America{{sfn|POWO 2025b}}
| synonyms_ref = {{sfn|POWO 2025b}}
| synonyms = {{Collapsible list | {{Genus list
 | Clistoyucca | ([[Engelm.]]) [[Trel.]]
 | Codonocrinum | [[Willd.]] ex [[Schult.]] & [[Schult.f.]]
 | Samuela | Trel.
 | Sarcoyucca | (Trel.) Linding.
 | Matuda-pina | Hochstätter
}}
}}
}}

'''''Yucca''''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|ˈ|j|ə|k|ə|ˌ}} , YUCK-uh) is both the [[scientific name]] and [[common name]] for a genus native to North America from [[Panama]] to southern Canada. It contains 50 accepted species. In addition to yucca, they are also known as '''Adam's needle''' or '''Spanish-bayonet'''. The genus is generally classified in the [[asparagus family]] in [[Agavoideae|a subfamily]] with the ''[[Agave]]'', though historically it was part of the [[lily family]]. The species range from small shrubby plants to tree-like giants, such as the [[Joshua Tree]]. All yuccas have [[Rosette (botany)|rosettes]] of leaves that taper to points and inflorescences with many flowers that are mainly cream white with thick petals. Though adapted to a wide range of climates the plants are [[xerophyte]]s, ones that specialize in dry living conditions.

The tight relationship between the yucca plants and their pollinators, the yucca moths from the genera ''[[Tegeticula]]'' and ''[[Parategeticula]]'', is a well known example of evolutionary [[Mutualism (biology)|mutualism]]. They are an important part of the ecology of North American [[Desert|deserts]], providing shelter to small animals and creating habitats. The human uses of yuccas include [[garden plant]]s, as food, and for [[extract]]s. The flower petals of various species are eaten as a part of local cuisine, particularly in [[Central America]] and Mexico. Historically, the yucca was extensively used for its fibers to make cords, baskets, mats, and sandals. It continues to be used by native peoples for traditional soaps.