Marcus, Joseph A.
Yucca treculeana Carr.
Spanish Dagger, Don Quixote's Lance, Palma Pita
Agavaceae (Century-Plant Family)
or small tree
unbranched except near the top, and up to 10 or more feet tall. In brushy and open areas. Leaves stiff, sharp pointed, up to 3 feet long by 3 inches wide, in large clumps at the ends of stems or branches, dead ones hanging below the live ones. Flowers white or faintly purplish, in dense, showy clusters rising above the leaves, appearing in March and April. Fruit
up to 4 inches long by 1 inch wide.
Image Gallery: 43 photo(s) available
Bloom InformationBloom Color: White , Red
Bloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , Dec
TX Native Habitat:
Chaparral & brush country USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing ConditionsWater Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay
Conditions Comments: It is said that the Aztecs used to use the leaves of the Spanish Dagger to stab snakebite wounds in their skin in order to help flush out the poison.
Blooms ornamental, Accent tree
Aromatic, Security hedge Use Wildlife:
Nectar-moths, Nesting site. Conspicuous Flowers:
Butterflies Larval Host:
Yucca giant skipper butterfly, Ursine giant skipper, Streckers giant skipper. Deer Resistant: