Single to multiple stemmed, grows at moderate rate to 15 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Lance-shaped, flat, flexible and leathery. Should be treated as non-succulent. White waxy flowers, bell-shaped, with 6 broad, pointed sepals. Short-stalked upright clusters followed by green, fleshy, bananalike fruits growing to 5 inches long.
Fruits fall before winter.
Grows well in the shade, but will not flower there. Native Americans eat buds, flowers and young flower stalks. Leaf fibers are made into mats, baskets, cloth, rope and sandals. Prepared roots are used as a soap substitute. There are nine species of Yucca in Arizona.