Spanish Dagger

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 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.


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