Our Lords Candle

The showiest of the yuccas, Our Lord's Candle, also known as Chaparral Yucca, is native to Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. It thrives at altitudes between 950 and 8,200 feet. Locally it can be found in our foothills, often in sandy washes.

This plant forms a stemless cluster of long, rigid leaves with sharp, pointed tips. The leaf edges are finely saw-toothed. It typically takes 5 to 10 years to reach maturity, at which point the plant dramatically sends up a flower spike, growing 10 to 15 feet tall in just two weeks. This spike produces a stunning display of hundreds of bell-shaped flowers, ranging in color from white to purplish.

All yuccas share a symbiotic relationship with Yucca Moths. After collecting pollen and rolling it into tiny balls, the moths lay their eggs in the ovaries of other yucca flowers. They then pack the pollen into the stigma, both pollinating the flower and ensuring seed production. The moth larvae feed on some of the developing seeds and later burrow out of the fruit when mature.

In the case of the Chaparral Yucca, it has a specific, exclusive relationship with the California Yucca Moth (Tegeticula maculata). After pollination, the plant dies, although its stalk may remain standing for several years. This mutualistic relationship has become a classic example of symbiosis.

The Chaparral Yucca is highly drought-adapted and thrives in clay soils.

Local Indigenous peoples have historically utilized this plant for various purposes. The roots and leaves are used for food and cordage. The stalk can be eaten, and the fruit can be consumed raw, roasted, or pounded into meal. Seeds are either roasted and eaten whole or ground into flour.