Accession Count: 18
Common Name:
aloe yucca, Spanish bayonet
Family Name:
Asparagaceae
Botanical Name:
Yucca aloifolia
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Yucca aloifolia is an evergreen monocot that can grow to be 10 feet tall, with a multi-branched form measuring up to eight feet wide. At the top of the stem are long, simple leaves that are green in color and sharply pointed on the terminal ends. Measuring two and a half feet in length and two and a half inches wide, the stiff leaves also have denticulate margins giving it a rough texture. Referred to as the aloe yucca, this small tree/shrub can grow in a variety of fashions when mature; either erect, leaning or sprawling. It can be trained to grow with only a single crown or have multiple crowns branching out from the central stalk (3). As the aloe yucca grows, older dead leaves hang downward to form a skirt. From spring to summer, this plant blooms a large cluster of white, pendulous flowers that protrudes up to two feet from the top of the crown (2,3).
Compound:
Yuc alo
Geographic Origin:
Southeastern United States, Caribbean, Yucatan
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Y. aloifolia is native to regions of Southeastern Untied States; Yucatan, Mexico; and the Caribbean (3). The aloe yucca is often found along sandy coastal areas and shorelines, as it has a high tolerance for salinity (2). This plant is not considered invasive but it has found its way to Australia where it is naturalized in scattered coastal regions (4).
Cultivation Notes:
Spanish bayonet grows well in full sun, partial shade, and reflected sun (3). Planting in well-drained, sandy soils is encouraged; hence its natural occurrence along areas near ocean waters (2). Monthly watering is recommended, needing little water after propagation. Y. aloifolia can be grown by seeds on some occasions, but are done mostly by dividing suckers or plant cuttings. The slow growing aloe yucca can be planted in USDA hardiness zones six through 11, withstanding temperatures as low as 15oF. (1,3)
Ethnobotany:
For landscaping purposes, the Spanish bayonet makes for an excellent accent as it is outstanding for individual display, and is commonly planted in groups to provide relatively impenetrable border or screen thanks to its many serrate and sharply pointed leaves. The location of where this small tree is planted should be mindful of the sharp ends, as they can be painful to pets, children and others who find themselves just a little too close (2,3).
The plant itself is not targeted by animal predators, and its flowers attract butterflies (1).
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
White
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
1.
University of Florida -- Retrieved Oct. 17, 2018
3. Duffield, Mary Rose., and Warren D. Jones. Plants For Dry Climates - How To Select, Grow And Enjoy. Lane Publishing Company, 1992.
