Spanish Dagger

(Yucca gloriosa)

Spanish Dagger (Yucca gloriosa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Yucca gloriosa, commonly known as Spanish Dagger, is an evergreen shrub native to coastal dunes, maritime forests, and sandy soils of the southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 2.5 m (8 ft). This yucca features a rosette of stiff, spine-tipped leaves and a striking panicle of bell-shaped white flowers, sometimes tinged with purple or red, which bloom in the summer and are quite showy. The fruit is a leathery, elongate berry up to 8 cm (3 in) long. Spanish Dagger is valued for its bold, architectural form and is often used as a focal point in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and coastal plantings due to its tolerance for salt and drought.

Spanish Dagger is appreciated for its low maintenance requirements, tolerance of a range of temperatures including occasional snow and freezing conditions down to −20 °C (−4 °F), and its ability to thrive in full sun with low water needs. It is suitable for well-drained soils, particularly sandy soils, reflecting its coastal habitat origins. While it is generally pest-free, potential problems include root rot if overwatered and agave snout weevil infestations. It is not typically invasive but can spread through root suckers if conditions are favorable.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Succulent
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 2-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Very Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Coastal dunes, maritime forests, and sandy soils

Other Names

Common Names: Moundlily Yucca, Soft Tipped Yucca, Palm Lily, Cassava, Gewone Palmlelie, Palmlilja, 유카, 美國波羅花

Scientific Names: , Yucca gloriosa, Yucca flexilis var. boerhavii, Yucca flexilis var. hildrethii, Yucca gloriosa f. genuina, Yucca gloriosa subsp. genuina, Yucca gloriosa var. variegata, Yucca recurvifolia var. elegans,

GBIF Accepted Name: Yucca gloriosa L.