Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
floppy yucca
Family Name:
Asparagaceae
Botanical Name:
Yucca flaccida
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Yuc fla
Geographic Origin:
Eastern North America
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Yucca flaccida is a stemless yucca that generates numerous offsets to form small clumps. It is native to the interior of eastern North America from Ontario(3) and Wisconsin(2) east to Vermont and south to Florida, Mississippi(1) and Missouri(5). The plant has been cultivated for centuries and is believed to have escaped cultivation in the northern part of its range(8). Y. flaccida is easily recognized by its typically thin, weak, smooth, flexible leaves(1). The outer leaves are always recurved, or bending back on itself, giving the plant a flaccid, floppy appearance. The leaf margins bear abundant long, straight, fine filaments(4). Y. flaccida grows in prairies, light woodland and at forest margins(1) in dry, well-drained, sandy or rocky soils. The plant occurs at elevations up to 5,000 ft1. The taxonomic position of Y. flaccida has been complicated and controversial for many years. It is closely related to and often confused with Yucca filamentosa(4). Some authorities consider Y. flaccida and Y. filamentosa to be two distinct species while others consider them different varieties of the same species. When considered separately, Y. filamentosa is found in coastal areas of eastern North America(1) growing in sandy soils and is tolerant to salt spray from the ocean(4). Also, the leaves of Y. filamentosa are flexible but strong and coarse with abundant curled marginal leaf filaments(1). DNA research may clarify whether the two species should be considered as one.
Cultivation Notes:
Yucca flaccida is among the few plants in horticulture with a distinct rosette form that is used effectively in the cold and damp environments in the northern US, southern Canada and northern Europe. The plant provides strong contrast and bold form to perennial border plantings and along rock walls(4). Y. flaccida grows best in moderately rich, sandy soils(4) but will adapt to poor and compacted soils(9). Soil must be well drained although saturated soil will be tolerated for short durations(4). Like other yuccas, Y. flaccida is very drought tolerant(9) although will need supplemental water in hot, dry locations for best performance(4). Plant in a location with full sun or partial shade. Y. flaccida will tolerate, but not bloom, in full shade(9). Also, it will grow well in sites with reflected light and heat(9). Leaves are tipped with spines so exercise caution when planting and establish away from pedestrian areas to minimize contact(4). Produces a showy 3 to 8 foot flower stalk in the summer months yielding a loose cluster of creamy white, bell-shaped flowers(8). Propagate by stem cuttings, rhizome division and transplanting offsets. Seeds will germinate quickly, ideally at 60-70° F8. Y. flaccida is a great, low maintenance container plant for sunny or shaded locations(4).
Ethnobotany:
Yucca flaccida fruit can be cooked and eaten after the seeds are removed; the large flower petals are used in salads and highly prized by deer and cattle(8.) As an ornamental, Y. flaccida is among the oldest and most widespread yuccas in horticulture. In the 16th century it was common in Early Colonial gardens in eastern North America and taken to Europe where it was widely cultivated. Its value in providing strong structural relief in perennial gardens and evergreen color to winter gardens has made it a very popular ornamental(4). Today Y. flaccida is a popular, versatile urban landscape plant because it tolerates cold and heat, drought, poor soil conditions, soil compaction, pollution and winter salt spray. Prominent Cultivars used for Trade:
--Yucca flaccida cv. ‘Garland’s Gold’- gold colored variegation that is prominent on young leaves and transforms to green as the leaf ages(6).
--Yucca flaccida cv. ‘Gold Sword’- stripes of gold variegation down the center of the leaves6. Given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit(7).
--Yucca flaccida cv. ‘Bright Edge’- green centers with gold leaf margins(6). Given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit(7).
--Yucca flaccida cv. ‘Ivory’- cream-colored variegation(6). Given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit(7).
-- -Yucca filamentosa cv. 'Hofer Blue' - foliage is distinctly glaucous and blue-silver to blue-green in spring, fading to green-blue in winter(9).
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
White
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
