Yucca rigida is in general a single trunked species, but occasionally it forms multiple trunks growing up to 4-5m (12-15 feet) in height. The beautiful light blue stiff leaves are 30-70 cm (1-2 feet) long and are 1.2 to 2 cm (1/2 - 1 inch) wide, but in cultivation they can reach 120cm (40") in length, ending in a stiff dark brown spine. The leaves are also lined with a yellow margin and very tiny teeth. Yucca rigida is only found in northern Mexico were it grows on rocky hill sides. At the edges of their natural habitat, Yucca rigida and Yucca rostrata grow together and natural hybrids occur in those areas. These are also very attractive and more frost resistant than the pure Yucca rigida form.

Yucca rigida is an attractive plant but not as cold hardy as Yucca rostrata, it withstands temperatures down to -15°C.