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Yucca gloriosa var. tristis

Previously known as:

  • Yucca gloriosa var. recurvifolia
  • Yucca recurvifolia
Phonetic Spelling
YUK-uh glo-ree-OH-suh TRIS-tis
Description

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.  

More information on Yucca gloriosa.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#white flowers#succulent#moth caterpillar host#native shrub#rabbit resistant#deer resistant#nighttime garden#spines#pollinator plant#fantz#cactus#evergreen shrub#poor soils tolerant#larval host plant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#wind damage prone#annual#moth friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#white flowers#succulent#moth caterpillar host#native shrub#rabbit resistant#deer resistant#nighttime garden#spines#pollinator plant#fantz#cactus#evergreen shrub#poor soils tolerant#larval host plant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#wind damage prone#annual#moth friendly
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Shrub
    Succulent
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Mounding
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
    Appendage:
    Spines
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    The seed capsule will appear after the plant blooms.
  • 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.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stem is usually unbranched.
  • 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