Types of Yucca Plants

Yucca plants are hardy, evergreen shrubs with long, sword-like leaves. Some are short and compact, while others are more tree-like in appearance. Yuccas feature large groups of white, trumpet or bell-shaped flowers. There are several different types of yucca plants, which range from potted indoor plants to large trees. All are drought-tolerant perennials and many are native to the southeastern United States.

Spineless Yucca

Spineless yucca (Yucca elephantipes) is popularly grown as a houseplant. This yucca grows on one thick, brown trunk and features the distinctive long, sharp leaves at the top. It is loved for its ease of care. Spineless yucca should be placed in partial sunlight and not exposed to hot, afternoon sun or the leaves of the plant may be scorched. Its size depends on the size of the container, but in the wild they can grow up to 30 feet tall.

Spanish Bayonet

Spanish bayonet (Yucca aloifolia) is is a clumping yucca with one to three stems per plant. It is a slow-growing yucca and will only reach a height of 10 feet at maturity. Spanish bayonet is not a desirable yucca to plant near walkways or anywhere people might come into contact with it, as the leaves are quite sharp. Still, it makes a very attractive and extremely hardy background plant in a garden.

Spanish Dagger

Spanish dagger (Yucca gloriosa) is a good alternative to the Spanish bayonet, as it is very similar in appearance and size, but the points of the leaves of this yucca plant are not nearly as sharp. The Spanish dagger produces one stiff flower stem that can be up to 2 feet tall and is crowned with white flowers with a diameter of 4 inches.

Adam's Needle

Adam's needle (Yucca filamentosa) is a very durable yucca that has the appearance of ornamental grass. This plant forms a low, rounded mound of straight, pointed leaves that can be as long as 2 feet. The leaves are edges with wispy fibers, giving them a graceful appearance. When in bloom, the plant produces a very tall (up to 6 feet) stalk that produces a profusion of white, bell-like flowers that have a pleasing fragrance.