Spanish Dagger
Yucca aloifolia
Last reviewed: August 2026
Spanish Dagger (Yucca aloifolia) is a perennial succulent native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw moths and bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Spanish Dagger is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-07-17). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
72"–144" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states
Pollinators
moths, bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Spanish Dagger is an evergreen succulent shrub with a stout trunk and rosettes of stiff, sharply pointed leaves, topped in summer by tall spikes of creamy white bell-shaped flowers. Its rigid, needle-tipped foliage is a real safety consideration near paths or play areas, so siting away from foot traffic is best. Native to the Texas Gulf Coast per the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Growing Spanish Dagger
Grow Spanish Dagger in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 72 to 144 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Spanish Dagger is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Leaf tips are extremely sharp and rigid, a puncture hazard near walkways, play areas, or property lines.
- Not recommended close to windows, doors, or other high-traffic edges.
Wildlife value
Host plant for Yucca moth (Tegeticula spp.).
Its flowers depend on a specialized pollination partnership with yucca moths, whose larvae develop inside the seed pods, per the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Common questions
- How much sun does Spanish Dagger need?
- Spanish Dagger grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Spanish Dagger bloom?
- Spanish Dagger blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Spanish Dagger native?
- Spanish Dagger (Yucca aloifolia) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Spanish Dagger toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Spanish Dagger is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Spanish Dagger toxic to cats?
- Yes. Spanish Dagger is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What butterflies or moths does Spanish Dagger host?
- Spanish Dagger is a larval host plant for Yucca moth (Tegeticula spp.).
- Is Spanish Dagger HOA-friendly?
- Spanish Dagger is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Spanish Dagger and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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