Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca) Yucca gloriosa
Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca) (Yucca gloriosa) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asparagaceae family, native to Coastal dunes of the south-eastern United States (North Carolina to Florida). It grows 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca) in your garden →
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Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 209–365 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Coastal dunes of the south-eastern United States (North Carolina to Florida) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain |
Is Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, roots
Yuccas contain saponins that upset the stomach of pets; the leaf tips are sharp enough to pierce skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca)
- How far apart should I plant Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca) flower?
- About 209–365 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Yuccas contain saponins that upset the stomach of pets; the leaf tips are sharp enough to pierce skin.
- What grows well with Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Spanish dagger (mound lily yucca). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Stiff, sword-like leaves with sharp tips on a short trunk, and tall spires of white bells in late summer and autumn. Takes salt wind, sand and cold, so it is a long-standing seaside and town plant in Europe; ‘Variegata’ is striped yellow.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana