Mature Height/Spread: Spanish bayonet grows slowly to a height of 10 feet. The plant forms irregular, rising stems, one to three per plant. Stems are densely clothed in sharp, pointed, dark green leaves, which are to 2½ feet long and 2 inches wide.

White flowers (sometimes tinged purple) appear in summer in dense, erect clusters, which are up to 4 inches across and up to 2 feet tall.

Landscape Use: Spanish bayonet should never be planted near walkways or terraces because of its sharply pointed, dagger-like leaves. The plants are best planted alone or in groups of three, in the background rather than at the front of beds.

Cultivation: In the wild, yuccas grow in full sun on dry soil. They tolerate a wide range of soil conditions as long as the soil is not too wet. Set out potted plants from spring through fall. Little maintenance is required. Remove the flower stalks after blooming. Pollination of most species is done by the pronuba moth. The yucca is entirely dependent on this moth and vice-versa. The seeds are black, flat and look like little wafers. They usually occur in great numbers.

Problems: This is a very hardy, durable plant. Plants are susceptible to leaf-spotting fungi during wet periods. Too much moisture may result in black areas on the leaf margins. Black aphids on flower stalks may ruin the flowers.

Cultivars and Varieties: ‘Variegata’ has dark green leaves marked with yellowish white.