Spanish Dagger

-

 Spanish Dagger a Species of Yuccas



Common Name


Mound lilly

Spanish lilly

Palm lilly

Tree lilly

Mound yucca

Botanical Name

Yucca gloriosa



Information



Spanish dagger (Yucca gloriosa) is a flowering evergreen shrub that originated in the United States southeastern region. It naturally grows along sand dunes, but has become very popularly cultivated as a garden plant used for landscaping. Other names for spanish dagger are Roman candle, Lord's candlestick, and Sea Islands yucca.



Is spanish dagger poisonous to both dogs and cats?


While mild to humans, the toxicity of spanish dagger is quite dangerous to household animals, especially horses and livestock who forage. Never let your animals get into touch with spanish dagger.



Tips from Garden Coaches


A striking, architectural ornamental plant that requires very little in terms of care, the spanish dagger is a popular choice in both home gardens and public spaces.



Attract Birds


Native to hot and dry areas of America, spanish dagger come in almost 50 species, and are ideal if you want to create a bird-friendly garden in an arid climate. Species grown for their flowers, such as the Soaptree variety (Yucca gloriosa elata) or Adam’s needle (Yucca gloriosa filamentosa) are great for attracting hummingbirds, although orioles will also come to eat the nectar. Larger, tree-shaped species such as the Joshua tree (Yucca gloriosa filifera) are also used for shelter year-round, with some birds tearing long strips off the leaves to be used for nesting.


Ruby-throated hummingbird


Rufous hummingbird


Baltimore oriole



 


Name Story


Spanish dagger

As an ornamental plant, its white flowers are extremely beautiful and attractive. Despite that, the leaves are not inferior to flowers in any measure. The long and narrow leaves seem to be very hard, like Spanish bayonets and can easily injure anyone in contact.



Interesting Facts


This garden-worthy succulent plant demands special caution - the spines of Yucca gloriosa contain saponins, a soap-like compound. Although saponins have been used as a natural soap by Native Americans, these compounds can cause skin irritation and are considered toxic. Reportedly, some tribes used saponins as arrow-tip poison.


Symbolism


Protection, Purification, loyalty, new opportunities


Characteristics


Plant Type

Herb


Lifespan

Perennial


Bloom Time

Summer, Fall


Plant Height

1.6 to 6 feet

Spread

4 feet

Flower Size

Inflorescence 1.5 foot

Habitat

Sand dunes, Seacoast

Flower Color

WhiteCream

Leaf Color

GreenBlueYellowVariegated

Fruit Color

BrownRedGreenCopperBurgundy

Stem Color

GreenBlueBrownCream


Conditions Requirement



Difficulty Rating

Spanish dagger is super easy to take care of, with resistance to almost all pests and diseases. It is a perfect option for gardeners with brown thumbs.



Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun



Hardiness

0 ℉



Hardiness Zones

6 to 11



Soil

Sand, Loam, Chalky, Clay, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline



Care Guide



Water

Spanish dagger may be a drought-tolerant plant but it grows best with a regular watering schedule. When soil is dry, deeply water the plant up to 1 inch. Avoid over saturating or letting the plants sit in puddles of water to avoid fungal growth.



Fertilization

Fertilization once in spring.



Pruning

Trim the diseased, withered leaves once a month.



Planting Time

Spring, Fall



Harvest Time

Fall, Winter



Propagation

Cutting, Division, Sowing



Potting Suggestions

Needs excellent drainage in pots.



Pests and Diseases


Leaf spot disease; aphids, snails



Scientific classification


Genus

Yucca - Yuccas

Family

Asparagaceae - Asparagus

Order

Asparagales - Asparagus and allies, Agaves, orchids, irises, and allies

Class

Liliopsida - Monocotyledons, Monocots

Phylum

Tracheophyta - Vascular plants, Seed plants, Ferns, Tracheophytes.






Uses


Garden Use

The two-colored dagger-like leaves of spanish dagger (Yucca gloriosa) are an attractive and common feature of ornamental gardens, and its summer flowers and fruit attract birds. Spanish dagger makes a great addition to the beds and borders of Mediterranean, coastal, city, and cottage gardens. Grow this yucca with plants that bloom at similar times like sage, yarrow, and tiger lilies.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Chayote

-
Image
  Chayote a species of Sechium Common Name Kajot Choke Merliton Pepanica Vegetable pear Botanical Name Sechium edule Information Chayote is an edible squash in the gourd family that has long been cultivated for food in Latin America. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and it has a slightly sweet taste that has been compared to that of cucumber. Characteristics Plant Type Herb, Vine Lifespan Perennial, Annual Bloom Time Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall Plant Height 39 feet Spread 1.6 foot Habitat Moist, steep hillsides Flower Color WhiteGreenYellow Leaf Color Green Fruit Color GreenWhite Conditions Requirement Difficulty Rating Chayote is super easy to take care of, with resistance to almost all pests and diseases. It is a perfect option for gardeners with brown thumbs. Sunlight Full sun, Partial sun Hardiness Zones 9 to 12 Soil Sand, Loam, Clay, Slightly acidic, Neutral, Slightly alkaline Care Guide Planting Time Mid spring, Late spring Harvest Time Mid fall, Late fall Propagation Sowing,
Read more

Paradise Apple

-
Image
  Paradise Apple a Species of Malus Common Name: Apple  Malus Saib Botanical Name: Malus pumila Name Story: Paradise apple: In the past, all foreign fruits including nuts were called apple. After the widespread of the story of Adam and Eve, the name, Apple was then solely referred to Malus pumila. In mythology, this plant was also believed to exist only in heaven which meant that Adam and Eve had stolen the forbidden fruit. So, it was always called Paradise apple. Information: Paradise apple is the most widely cultivated tree fruit around the globe. The three top apple-producing countries are China, the United States, and Poland with an economic impact of $3.55 billion in 2017. There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples throughout the world. Scientific classification: Genus: Malus - Malus Family: Rosaceae - Rose Order: Rosales - Roses, elms, figs, and allies Class: Magnoliopsida - Dicotyledons, Dicots, Eudicots Phylum: Tracheophyta - Vascular plants, Seed plants, Ferns, Trach
Read more

Water Melon

-
Image
  Water Melon a species of watermelons Common Name Sweet melon Melon Bastard melon Wild melon Botanical Name Citrullus lanatus Information Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a flowering plant with a vine-like appearance native to Western Africa. Watermelon bears fruit that are widely cultivated and consumed across the world. Watermelon grow in tropical and temperate climates and requires warmth to grow. There are 1000 varieties around the world. Name Story Watermelon In hot summer, the solution for dehydration is consuming watermelon. Like its name, this plant contains 91% water content. This fruit, which has been cultivated for thousands of years has become one of the best-selling fruits today. Interesting Facts Watermelon is known as the king of summer melons and fruits. There is a Chinese proverb that says that having watermelons in the summer can prevent diseases. This means that eating Watermelons can prevent heatstroke and it is a good water supplement. Symbolism Good luck and hap
Read more