Yucca filamentosa

The Yucca filamentosa, also known as the Threadleaf Yucca, is a plant with a highly exotic appearance, forming a bushy clump of dark green upright leaves, bordered by whitish filaments, that create a large bunch, remaining attractive throughout the year. When mature, this plant produces an impressive summer flowering that can reach up to 2m (6.6ft) in height. The upper part of the flower spike bears numerous pendulous flowers resembling large cream-white bells. Being hardy and anchored by a strong rootstock, this yucca is perfect for rockeries, slopes, or dry gardens.

The Threadleaf Yucca is a plant belonging to the agave family. It is a botanical species native to the northeastern United States (Virginia) and the southeastern United States, spreading westward to Louisiana. Generally lacking a trunk, the plant develops multiple stems that bear rosettes of long and narrow leaves tapering towards the tips, pointing upwards. Its growth, initially slow, reaches a rate of 20 to 30cm (11.8in) per year. The rosettes measure approximately 90cm (35.4in) in height, and the leaves are bordered by the characteristic filaments of the species. Each rosette has around sixty leaves that are 50 to 75cm (29.5in) long, rough, fairly flexible, ending in a small sharp spine. The flower spikes appear in early summer, later or earlier depending on the climate, on plants several years old. The flowers, resembling tulips in size and shape, are cream-white in colour and appear on a green and sturdy flower spike arranged in a paniculate manner. They face downwards. The rosette dies after flowering followed by the emergence of small juvenile rosettes at the base of the plant.

The Threadleaf Yucca, hardy well beyond -15°C (5°F), in well-drained soil and easy to grow, will thrive in any properly drained soil, even dry and poor, or in arid conditions. It should be kept away from pathways and young children due to its pointed leaves. This plant is ideal for structuring a large rockery or for brilliantly occupying the centre of an exotic flower bed. It can be placed alone or combined with Puyas, numerous Agaves, Yuccas, and other opuntias that also thrive in desert-like environments.

The flower petals are edible; they can be served as a garnish or prepared as fritters. The flower spike, before the flowers appear, can also be cooked and eaten, similar to asparagus.