Yucca filamentosa

Flowers

This yucca does not grow a trunk, but instead the leaves form into a rosette and grow from a rhizome. In mid summer, mature rosettes grow a large terminal spike, often to 2m tall, containing dozens of white / cream flowers. The rosette dies after flowering, but is survived by numerous offsets. Curly filaments, or threads, peel off the side of the leaves. The tips of the leaves are pointed and are very sharp, making weeding a difficult and painful chore.

This yucca is particularly favoured by passionvine hoppers. The little immature hoppers can usually completely cover a whole leaf. Control by spraying weekly with pyrethrum.

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See also:  Cactus & succulents

Flower spike Beginings of the flower spike. Also notice the white filaments around the leaves. Flowers Flowers