Acaulescent shrub with evergreen leaves radiating from a basal rosette, often cespitose. Leaves usually about 20 cm (8 in) long and about 1.5 cm (0.6 in) wide at base, spiny at apex, dark green, sometimes with fine fibers along margins. Inflorescence a raceme. Flowers numerous, large, with 3 petaloid sepals and 3 petals, greenish-white or purplish. Fruits cylindrical capsules 3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 in) long.
Distribution: Native to southeastern Colorado, northeastern New Mexico, western panhandle of Oklahoma.
Habitat: high plains grassland
NWI status: none
Comment: Yucca is the native Hatian name; harrimanae honors Mrs. E. H. Harriman, a 19th. century patron of science; neomexicana refers to New Mexico.
Distribution in Oklahoma: 
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Last update: 9/23/99
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