Yuccas of the World
An illustrated guide to all the yucca plants in the world.
Updated January 22, 2025
The yucca genus is a group of striking, hardy plants native mostly to the arid regions of North and Central America. To me, they are symbolic of the deserts of Mexico and the Desert Southwest.
There are 48 species, ranging from small, ground-huggers to towering giants. They can be found in deserts, grasslands, and even coastal areas. Most are pollinated by different species of yucca moths, and many played significant roles in the indigenous history of the Americas as food, medicine, instruments and even construction material.
I sketched each yucca species with liner pens, Copic markers and watercolor.