Moundlily Yucca is a relatively rare evergreen shrub found only along the immediate coast in North Carolina. Here at the northern limit of its range the trunks stay fairly short and the mounds do not get nearly as large as further south. This is typical habitat, in a low spot in the seaside dunes, with scattered wind-battered Yaupon and Southern Redcedar shrubs.

Dare Co., NC 11/11/06.

Moundlily Yucca is similar to the slightly more common Yucca aloifolia (Spanish Bayonet), but Moundlily's leaves are smooth-margined, slightly less rigid, and less sharply pointed (they will not spear you as readily). The more common and widespread Yucca filamentosa is easily distinguished by its twisty thread-like filaments that shred off the leaf margins.

Dare Co., NC 11/11/06.

Quite showy in bloom, with a terminal panicle of creamy-white flowers extending several feet above the leaves.

Dare Co., NC 11/11/06.

Flower detail.

Dare Co., NC 11/11/06.

Moundlily Yucca has slightly broader leaves than those of Spanish Bayonet.

Dare Co., NC 11/11/06.

The leaf margins of Moundlily Yucca are smooth. The margins of Spanish Bayonet have minute spines, which can cut you like a serrated knife.

Dare Co., NC 11/11/06.

Yucca gloriosa is sometimes called Spanish Dagger because of its spine-tipped leaves. They are not as dangerous as those of Spanish Bayonet (Y. aloifolia), but you still don't want to press your luck.

Dare Co., NC 11/11/06.