Family: Asparagaceae

Hesperaloe parviflora (red yucca, hummingbird yucca) is an evergreen perennial succulent native to Mexico, and West/Central Texas. Red yucca is often used in xeriscaping and desert-themed gardens for its ornamental qualities and ability to thrive in hot, dry climates. It is well-suited for regions with low rainfall and can withstand periods of drought, making it a popular choice for water-efficient landscaping. Another reason it may be selected in landscape design is because it is a spineless alternative to Agave and Yucca horticultural species. This plant has not been documented as naturalized in any Hawaiian Islands to date.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad hardiness range
  
• Can grow, and could spread, in arid climates in the tropics
  
• Reported to be toxic to dogs and possibly other animals
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by bulbils and division of clumps
  
• Hybridizes with other species in genus
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind and through intentional cultivation

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization or invasiveness
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• May be palatable to deer and other browsing animals (in spite of reports of toxicity)
  
• Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
  
• Self-incompatible
  
• Pollinated by hummingbirds, and possibly long-tongued insects (pollinator limitation may reduce seed set)