Spanish bayonet

Yucca aloifolia

Family: Asparagaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Mechanical/physical hazard only, not biochemical: NC State tags this species 'Problem for Children' and recommends keeping it away from traffic areas because the leaves are thick and stiff with a very sharp tip and small marginal serrations. No toxic principle or symptom is given for humans on this page.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA's yucca (genus) page lists yucca as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the principle is saponins, with vomiting in dogs and cats, and liver disease and dermatitis in horses. NC State also flags this species as a problem for cats, dogs and horses. Both sources agree. The sharp leaf tips are a mechanical hazard, not a poisoning route.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: 6a to 11b, comfortably covers Florida's hardiness range (mostly 8-11), consistent with its native Gulf/Atlantic coast range including Florida.
Water needs: low
Mature size: 10 to 15 ft tall, 3 to 5 ft wide; needs 3 to 6 ft of space

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon