By Donna Halleran, Executive Director Pelican Island Audubon Society
I have grown an attraction to the Yucca plants, and couldn’t wait to explore the native varieties. I am looking for a place in my yard where they can be a dominant focal point among my other native plantings. There are three Florida native species. Although, we do not carry them at the Audubon House Native Garden Shop they are readily available at a number local nurseries.
Spanish bayonet, Mound Lily yucca, and Adam’s needle are Florida natives, and are readily available at most nurseries. With their coarse texture and odd shapes, yuccas make great focal point or specimen plants.
A great addition to any Florida landscape and is the attractive agave yucca plant. The Yucca is a great specimen and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Beware, they can have sharp points, planting them away from being touched or brushed up against is best. They require full sun and do best in sandy soils, they love heat, humidity and drought conditions – perfect for Florida! Easy care, what more can you ask for? They produce clusters of white flowers that attract butterflies. Their leaves are stiff and come in a variety of colors. They are evergreen and retain leaves all year long.
Spanish Bayonet (Yucca aloifolia) is often called the aloe yucca. It has straight, rigid dark green leaves. The sharp points can be trimmed for safety. Mound lily Yucca (Yucca gloriosa) also called a Spanish Dagger, has smooth blue-gray drooping leaves that bends toward the ground. This variety can handle semi-shade. Watch out for new shoots. Adam’s Needle (Yucca filamentosa) is a slow growing variety with curved filamentous threads growing from its leaves which end with sharp spines. This is the shortest Yucca variety.