| Spanish Dagger | |
|---|---|
| Long-trunked Spanish Dagger | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| clade: | Angiosperms |
| clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Agavoideae |
| Genus: | Yucca |
| Species: | Y. gloriosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Yucca gloriosa L. |
|
Yucca gloriosa is an evergreen shrub of the genus Yucca. Common names include Spanish Dagger, Moundlily Yucca, Soft-tipped Yucca, Spanish Bayonet or Sea Islands Yucca.
Contents |
Caulescent, 0.5-2.5 m tall, usually with several stems from the base, base thickened in adult specimens, branched above, rhizomatous, leaves straight, very stiff, 0.3-0.5 m long, 2-3.5 cm wide, dark green, light grey-green, margins entire, smooth, rarely fine denticulate, acuminate, with a sharp, brown, terminal spine, underside smooth. Inflorescence paniculate, 0.6-1.5 m tall, partially inferior to the leaves, flowers campanulate to elongate, numerous, pendulous, white, sometimes tinged purple or red, 3.5 cm long, fruits green, when ripe brownish, indehiscent, 5–8 cm long, 2.5 cm wide, obovate, seeds black, thickened. Yucca gloriosa grows on sand dunes along the coast and barrier islands of the southeastern USA, often together with Yucca aloifolia and Yucca recurvifolia. In contrast to Y. recurvifolia, the leaves of Y. gloriosa are hard stiff, erect and narrower. On the other hand, Y. aloifolia has leaves with denticulate margins and a sharp-pointed, terminal spine. The flowering period is the end of summer and autumn whereas Y. recurvifolia blooms in spring.
In collections in Europe and overseas, there are many forms and hybrids (Sprenger, Förster) from the 18th and 19th centuries. The following names have been used for material of uncertain origin in the European garden flora.
The plant is known to grow to heights above 5 m (16 feet).[1]
Yucca gloriosa is native to the coast and barrier islands of southeastern North America, growing on sand dunes. It ranges from southern North Carolina south to northern Florida. It is associated with Yucca filamentosa, Yucca aloifolia, and Opuntia species.
The plant is known to thrive as a domestic plant [2] and is sold internationally. In a domestic environment, the plant has average water requirements, and little maintenance is needed other than the removal of dead leaves when the shrub nears its ultimate height.[3] The plant is very hardy, no leaf damage at −20 degree Celsius (−5 °F), also it is very robust and can handle a lot of snow and prolonged freeze.
The Spanish Dagger has been known to cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions upon contact. The leaf points are even sharp enough to break the skin.[4]