How to identify Spanish dagger (Yucca gloriosa)
Spanish dagger, also known as Palm lily, Adam's needle
Spanish dagger stands as a robust evergreen, reaching heights of up to 16 feet (5 meters). Its foliage forms a basal rosette in its youth, transitioning to a prominent, woody trunk as it matures. The sword-shaped leaves are tipped with sharp points and arrange themselves with striking symmetry. In late spring to mid-summer, spanish dagger proudly exhibits large panicles of white, bell-shaped flowers, drawing the eye and marking its peak ornamental phase. It bears a remarkable resilience to extreme weather, including drought and variations in temperature.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Shrub
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Sword-shaped leaves with sharp tips and symmetrical arrangement.
Creamy white, bell-shaped flowers in large panicles with red or purple tints.
6-lobed, elongate berry with a tough, leathery exterior, distinctive among berries.
Thick, succulent stem transitioning from green to woody texture, exceeding 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Young leaves are blue-green, linear, and feature inconspicuous teeth, maturing to light green.
The leaves of spanish dagger are stiff and straight, measuring 1.5 to 2 feet (45-60 cm) long by 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) wide. They are sword-like with a glaucous green color and sharp tips. The flexible leaves, which are 13-20 inches (33-51 cm) long and 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm) wide, are linear and feature tiny, inconspicuous teeth along the edges. Young leaves are blue-green, transitioning to light green at maturity. The leaf tip is pointed but unarmed.
Spanish dagger's flowers are creamy white, bell-shaped, and pendulous, measuring 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm) long, often tinged with red or purple. These blooms are arranged in a branched cluster called a panicle, which stands erect on a 3-8 feet (90 cm - 240 cm) tall stalk. This stalk, with the lower portion resting among the leaves, supports the flowers from April to October. The flowers are distinguishable by their unique shape and distinctive tints.
The stem of spanish dagger is characterized by its thick, succulent, and green appearance. Young stems start off green and robust, eventually transitioning to a more woody texture as they mature. These stems are substantial in diameter, often exceeding 1 inch (2.5 cm), and support the upright growth habit of the plant. This thick and dense structure provides a sturdy base for the plant's leaves and flowers, which are crucial for its identification and overall aesthetic.
The fruit of spanish dagger manifests as a 6-lobed, elongate berry with a tough, leathery exterior. It measures up to 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) in length. Ripening occurs from November to December, transitioning into maturity. Predominantly, the texture is firm to the touch, with the shape and lobes being key identifying features. The overall appearance of the fruit is distinctive among berries, offering a visual and tactile characteristic for recognition.
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Scientific Classification of Spanish dagger
