Quick answer: Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) is native to 3 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Not recorded in the wildflower.org profile |
| Soil | Sandy or rocky soils |
| Bloom | Mar-May |
| Height | Up to 40 ft |
| Wildlife value | Nest sites for birds (flickers), desert night-lizard habitat, woodrats use leaves for nests |
none; slow-growing, protected in parts of its range
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Joshua tree
Where is Joshua tree native?
Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) is native to Arizona, California and Nevada. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Joshua tree bloom?
Joshua tree blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Joshua tree need?
Light: Sun. Soil: Sandy or rocky soils. Mature height: Up to 40 ft.
Is Joshua tree good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nest sites for birds (flickers), desert night-lizard habitat, woodrats use leaves for nests.
Is Joshua tree deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Joshua tree is deer-resistant.
Where can I buy real Joshua tree seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Yucca brevifolia on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Joshua tree.
- Firecracker penstemon Penstemon eatonii
- Palmer's penstemon Penstemon palmeri
- Brittlebush Encelia farinosa
- Deergrass Muhlenbergia rigens
- Rush milkweed Asclepias subulata
- Banana yucca Yucca baccata
Also listed under
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