Below is our clump of Yucca ‘Southern Twist’ in the garden this month. This is a plant we discovered in 2011, near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and have also found as far south as the Florida panhandle. The only problem is that this plant doesn’t technically exist, according to the botanical literature. It’s possible that it has simply been lumped into another known species like Yucca flaccida or Yucca filamentosa, but this is so distinct, that such shouldn’t have happened.
It’s hard to imagine finding a new yucca species in a region that has been studied as much as the Southeastern US, but we’re pretty sure this is the case. The growth habit, twisted foliage, and unique flowering doesn’t match any known species of yucca. So far, we’ve been unable to entice anyone to help us get this described, but we’re still looking, so if you know of a taxonomist out there looking for a project, please holler at us.
Below are the unusual flower stalks.
The twisted foliage and filaments curling off the edges looks typical of all the native yucca I see in the woods in north Florida including some that was undisturbed wild on my first house outside Gainesville. It did not flower as it was not yet big enough and the pine trees probably shaded it enough to slow growth. I think it is sometimes called bear grass, but I think that maybe incorrect usage.
It gets sold for the foliage. If they flower, I am not sure I would be surprised by any thing except possibly a non white flower. So only a real expert is likely to spot anything unusual. Unless relatives were on the invasive plant lists, and I can’t think of any yuccas that are in Florida, most people wouldn’t notice.
The region has been studied a lot though, but maybe not this genus? Maybe because there aren’t supposed to be many species in the region? On that note, there is the new species of fothergilla and several “new” azalea species in recent years, so it’s never done.