Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Succulents

Spanish Bayonet Yucca, Yucca aloifolia

Spanish Bayonet Yucca, Yucca aloifolia. Photos Taken: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, Arizona. May 13, 2008.

Pendulous Yucca Spines Yucca aloifolia Spines	Spanish Bayonet Yucca Yucca aloifolia Leaf Margins
Pendulous Yucca Spines Yucca aloifolia Flowers	Spanish Bayonet Yucca Yucca aloifolia Flowers

Spanish Bayonet Yucca Yucca aloifolia, Agave Family: ( Agavaceae ), Spanish Bayonet Yucca. Also called: Yucca yucatana, Aloe Yucca, Spanish Dagger Yucca, Aloe Yucca, Adam’s Needle, Palm Lily, Roman Candle. Spanish Bayonet has an erect trunk, 3 - 5 inches in diameter, reaching a height of up to 5 - 20 feet tall. When it becomes tall it has a habit of tipping over. When that happens, the growing tip turns upward and continues to grow. The trunk is armed with sharp pointed straplike leaves each about 2 feet long. The young leaves near the growing tip stand erect; older ones are reflexed downward. The tip of the trunk develops a long spike of white flowers. Spanish Bayonet also produces new buds, or offshoots, near the base of the trunk, forming a thicket around the original stalk. Do not plant Spanish bayonet near walkways, patios or in areas frequented by children and pets. This plant can inflict painful puncture wounds even through heavy clothing! This makes Spanish Bayonet the very best of "security plants." Spanish Bayonet will bloom from late summer to fall. Its flowers are creamy white, bell shaped, about 1 1/2 to 2 inches long, up to 4 inches in diameter, and they are borne on 3 - 5 foot spikes. It has excellent heat and drought tolerance and is hardy into the low teens. Height: About 5 - 20 feet tall and 6 - 8 feet wide. Flowers: A 3 - 5 foot long spike of white, purplish-tinged, bell shaped, flowers up to 4 inches in diameter, grow on the tip of the trunk. Blooming Time: July - August. Leaves: The leaves are dark green, 2 - 4 inch wide, 6 to 28 inches long. They have smooth leaf margins. The tips of the leaves are very pointed and sharp! Found: Found from North Carolina to Mexico and the West Indies. It is widely cultivated and naturalized throughout much of the southern US. Elevation: 0 - 3,800 Feet. Habitat: Coastal areas, including sand dunes, shell mounds and shorelines. Miscellaneous: Winter Hardiness: 10 - 15° F. Photos Taken: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, Arizona. May 13, 2008.