Yucca glauca (Small Soapweed, Spanish Bayonet)


Michael's Opinion

A much more subtle form of this popular Genus however often appearing out of place in our temperate landscapes in Canada. I have seen it used to good affect however in contemporary gardens where it is planted for its form.

Botanical Information

FamilyAsparagaceae
GenusYucca
Speciesglauca
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSouth Dakota to New Mexico.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height1.5 m (including the flower spike)
Spread50 cm
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJuly

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA rosette of evergreen, narrow leaves (1 cm wide) to about 60-80 cm long that are dull green in colour.Often leaf fibers are found trailing along the leaf margins.
ID CharacteristicNarrow leaves (1 cm wide) to about 60-80 cm long; dull green. Clump forming.
ShapeA rosette of evergreen leaves, spike-like.
LandscapeAs with Yucca filamentosa and cultivars.
PestsFew of note.
HabitatDry lowlands.
Bark/Stem DescriptionStems are dull grey and exposed on mature plants.
Leaf DescriptionNarrow leaves (1cm wide) to about 60-80 cm long. Dull green, leaf margins are slightly lighter and thread bearing.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are fragrant, borne on a raceme that is about 1 m tall. Individual flowers are about 6 cm, bell shaped and dull white to very pale green.
Fruit DescriptionA dehiscent fruit to about 6 cm long, constricted and usually with three compartments.
Colour DescriptionDull green foliage, pale white to creamy green flowers.
Texture DescriptionCoarsely textured, but finer than Y. filamentosa because of its thin leaves.

Photographs