Curve-leaf yucca is native to the southeastern US. In its natural habitat, it can be found growing in sandy locations such as sand dunes and along with beach scrub. It is a member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The varietal epithet is Latin for “sad” and refers to the drooping or lax leaves. This variety needs the same conditions as the typical variety, viz., well drained, sandy soil and full sun. The plants will tolerate some shade (but may not bloom as well). Other soil types, as long as they are well drained, are also acceptable. The pliable, leathery leaves are entire and curved backward and the presence of a stem are distinguishing characteristics of this variety. Also, the peduncle is shorter, so the lowest flowers are touched by the foliage. The softer, less dangerous leaves of this variety make it a good replacement for Spanish bayonet ( Y. aloifolia ) , which has stiff, dangerously armed leaves. Blooming in summer, it is used extensively in interior as well as in exterior landscapes. It is popular in beach resort landscapes from Maryland to Florida. It can be used in a native, dry, or rock garden as a feature or accent. The flowers in moonlight would make this plant a stand-out in a night garden. Quick ID Leathery sword-shaped leaves are curved backward Leaf margins are entire Presence of a stem; leaves are in an apical rosette Giant, tall, conical panicles of cream-colored flowers Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Good drainage should be provided to prevent root rot. Spider mites and agave borers may attack plants that are stressed. More information on Yucca gloriosa .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
Available space
3 feet-6 feet
NC region
Coastal; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in. | Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Mounding; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Blue; Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Rosulate
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Leathery
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves are in an apical rosette, simple, sword-shaped, recurved slightly above the middle with age, margins entire with narrow light brown strip on younger leaves, pliable, coriaceous, 35 x 2.5 in.
Flower color
Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Panicle
Flower shape
Bell
Flower detail
Two' flower stalk with bell-shaped creamy white flower clusters with purplish markings. Inflorescence is a long-stalked, conical panicle, terminal, to 4.5 m.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
The seed capsule will appear after the plant blooms.
Stem detail
Stem is usually unbranched.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Southeastern USA
Distribution
On the coasts of NC south to Florida
Wildlife value
Larval host for the yucca moth which eats the seeds. Adults pollinate the flowers. Attracts bees, butterflies and birds.