Plants

A striking, evergreen perennial native to the southeastern United States, particularly along the coastal plains. Unlike many of its stiff-leaved relatives, the soft leaf yucca is distinguished by its arching, flexible leaves that curve gently downward, giving the plant a softer, more graceful appearance while still retaining the bold structure characteristic of yuccas.

Its blue-green to gray-green foliage forms dense rosettes atop a short, thick trunk that may branch with age, reaching an overall height of 4 to 6 feet, and sometimes taller in ideal conditions. In late spring to early summer, mature plants send up tall, dramatic flower spikes bearing clusters of creamy white, bell-shaped flowers, which are fragrant and attract pollinators, particularly moths. This yucca is valued not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its toughness—it’s drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and thrives in well-drained soils in USDA Zones 7–10.

Also known as Yucca gloriosa var. recurvifolia, Yucca gloriosa var. tristis, & Yucca recurvifolia.