What is a yucca gloriosa?

Yucca gloriosa is a species of flowering plant that has the common name of Spanish dagger. This ornamental plant is native to the southeastern United States, particularly North Carolina.

Yucca gloriosa is an evergreen shrub that reaches heights up to 16 feet. It features long stems rising from the base, straight, lengthy leaves and a panicle of bell-shaped flowers that are often white mixed with shades of purple. The plant does produce elongated, leathery berries that can measure at least an inch. The leaf points on the plant are often sharp enough to break the skin and cause irritation. These plants thrive in coastal areas and on barrier islands, particularly near sand dunes.