Yucca gloriosa var. tristis
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Yucca gloriosa var. recurvifolia
- Yucca recurvifolia
- Phonetic Spelling
- YUK-uh glo-ree-OH-suh TRIS-tis
- Description
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Curved Leafed Yucca is a variety of Yucca gloriosa. It is native to the southeastern US. In its natural habitat, it can be found growing in sandy locations such as sand dunes and along with beach scrub. Blooming in summer, it is used extensively in interior as well as in exterior scapes. It is a popular in beach resort landscapes from Maryland to Florida.
The pliable, leathery leaves are entire and curved backward and the presence of a stem are distinguishing characteristics of this variety. It is a replacement for Spanish bayonet (Y. aloifolia) with its dangerous, rigid, horny point.
Branching and suckering of this variety will form colonies.
Larval host for the yucca moth, which eats the seeds. Adults pollinate the flowers.
Quick ID
- Leathery sword-shaped leaves are curved backward
- Leaf margins are entire
- Presence of a stem; leaves are in an apical rosette
- Giant, tall, conical panicles of cream-colored flowers
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Caution should be used when handling this plant due to its sharp tipped foliage.
Good drainage should be provided to prevent root rot. White grubs can be alleviated by a routine treatment with insecticide in the spring. Spider mites and Agave borers may attack plants that are stressed.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Yucca
- Species:
- gloriosa
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeastern USA
- Distribution:
- On the coasts of NC south to Florida
- Wildlife Value:
- Larval host for the yucca moth which eats the seeds. Adults pollinate the flowers. Attracts bees, butterflies and birds.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Fragrance
- Textural
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Succulent
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Mounding
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
- Appendage:
- Spines
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- The seed capsule will appear after the plant blooms.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Bell
- Flower Description:
- Two' flower stalk with bell-shaped creamy white flower clusters with purplish markings. Inflorescence is a long-stalked, conical panicle, terminal, to 4.5 m.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are in an apical rosette, simple, sword-shaped, recurved slightly above the middle with age, margins entire with narrow light brown strip on younger leaves, pliable, coriaceous, 35 x 2.5 in.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stem is usually unbranched.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Landscape Theme:
- Nighttime Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Moths
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Pollution
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
- Spines/Thorns
