Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Ginny Stibolt, Ixia Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Ginny Stibolt, Ixia Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

Spanish bayonet, aloe yucca

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Yucca aloifolia

Family:

Agavaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

shrub

Size:

5-10 ft tall by 3-6 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

green

Phenology:

Evergreen, primarily blooms in spring. Life span 50+ yrs. (Nelson 2003).

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Showy Fruits, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Specimen plant. Hedge--makes a good barrier.

Considerations:

Leaves have very sharp tips.

Availability:

Native Nurseries, Seed

Propagation:

Seed. Division though avoid those sharp leaves!

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Very long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand

Soil pH:

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B,10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Butterflies, Caterpillars, Hummingbirds

Provides food and cover for wildlife.Larval host plant for cofaqui giant skipper ( Megathymus cofaqui ) and yucca giant skipper ( Megathymus yuccae ) butterflies. 





Pollinated by yucca moths.  





Nectar plant for great southern white ( Ascia monuste ) and other butterflies.

 Provides wildlife cover





 

Native Habitats:

Wet flatwoods, sand dunes, disturbed sites.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

The flowers can be served as a salad or cooked and the fruit is eaten in some cultures. Pioneers made rope and string from the fibrous leaves.

General Comments: