Yucca filamentosa

Curlyleaf yucca is a perennial, broadleaf evergreen, clumping shrub in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). It is native to the Southeastern United States. It grows 3 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. 

Grow this yucca in full sun or partial shade. It is not particular about soil type but does require the soil to have a neutral pH and good drainage. Curlyleaf yucca is low maintenance and resistant to deer, rabbits, poor soil, salt spray, drought, and heat. It can be propagated by division, root cutting, or seed. 

A tall panicle of showy, long-lasting, creamy white, bell-shaped flowers appears late spring to early summer. There are cultivars available with variegated leaves. Hummingbirds, moths, small mammals, and songbirds are attracted to the plant, but it is pollinated by specialized moths called yucca moths, which have a symbiotic relationship with the plant. The developing moth larvae feed on some of the seeds in a fruit, but other seeds are untouched and remain viable.

Design Tips

Curlyleaf yucca has many uses in the landscape as an accent or barrier. Consider it for a meadow, naturalized area, patio, slope, or bank. It is a suitable plant for coastal, drought-tolerant, edible, native, nighttime, pollinator, rock, or winter gardens. 

Consider pairing with Baptisia 'Carolina Moonlight'.  The lovely repetition of the yellow in the flowers of the Baptisia and the leaves of the Yucca tie the garden together.

Quick ID Hints

• Basal rosette of sharply pointed sword-shaped leaves with upturned margins that gave rise to the common name spoon-leaf yucca

• Curly, thread-like filaments, usually 6 or more inches long, along leaf margins

• Erect panicles of nodding, cream-colored flowers borne on more-or-less horizontally positioned branches.

• Fruits are erect, cylindrical capsules, often with a slight constriction in the middle.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: In areas of poor drainage, the leaves may be sensitive to leaf spots or blight.