Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2775619

Moundlily Yucca

Yucca gloriosa

Also known as Spanish Dagger, Mound Lily Yucca, Roman Candle, Spanish Bayonet

Moundlily yucca forms dramatic architectural clumps of thick, sword-like evergreen leaves along coastal sand dunes and maritime forests. Tall panicles of bell-shaped, ivory flowers emerge above the rosette in late summer, attracting night-flying moths that share an exclusive pollination partnership with the plant. Stiff leaf blades taper into needle-sharp terminal spines that deter herbivores and create a formidable living barrier.

EvergreenFloweringCoastal
Moundlily Yucca reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Sunlight
  • Water
  • Soil Minerals
Predators
  • Yucca Weevil
  • White-tailed Deer
ThreatsCoastal development, habitat loss, severe beach erosion
HabitatsCoastal dunes, barrier islands, maritime forests, sandy scrublands
Life span20–50+ years
Classification
  1. FamilyAsparagaceae
  2. SpeciesYucca gloriosa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Leaf tips are sharp enough to puncture skin, and leaves contain saponins toxic to pets if chewed.
Why it is dangerous
Rigid leaf blades end in needle-sharp spines capable of causing deep puncture wounds, and plant tissues contain saponins toxic to cats and dogs.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by dense, spherical rosettes of stiff blue-green leaves ending in dark sharp tips, topped by tall white flower clusters.
What to do
Maintain wide clearance around plants in gardens and wear safety glasses and thick gloves when pruning dead leaves.
Responsible observation
  • Planting Distance: Position away from high-traffic walkways to avoid accidental punctures from needle-sharp leaf tips.
  • Pollinator Viewing: Look for white yucca moths visiting the large bell-shaped blossoms during calm evening hours.
  • Cultivation: Provide full sun and fast-draining sandy soil to prevent crown rot in garden settings.
Related species
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