Plants in family asparagaceae
Agave potatorum
Agave potatorum, native to Mexico, is a striking succulent known for its use in mezcal production. It forms a basal rosette with leaves up to 1 foot long, adorned with dark spines. This drought-tolerant plant can produce a flower spike reaching 10 to 20 feet, bearing pale green and yellow flowers. It is recognized for its ornamental value and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Eucomis montana
Eucomis montana is a unique perennial from the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa, known for its dense spike of greenish flowers topped with green bracts. This plant features a basal rosette of strap-shaped leaves with purple spots and can grow up to 15 inches tall. It thrives in grasslands on rocky hillsides and is rare in cultivation, potentially offering frost-hardiness. The flowers are pure white with a brown or black central ovary, making it a striking addition to any garden. Eucomis montana is a tetraploid species, meaning it has four sets of chromosomes, and it was first described in 1967. It contains homoisoflavanone in its bulbs, a compound of interest for its potential medicinal properties. This plant is threatened in its native habitat, making conservation efforts important for its survival. It is suitable for gardens that mimic its natural environment, such as rock gardens or dry shade areas.
Hesperoyucca whipplei
Hesperoyucca whipplei, native to southwest North America, is a stemless plant with long, rigid, gray-green leaves forming a symmetrical clump. Known for its dramatic flowering spike that can reach up to 13 feet tall, it produces hundreds of white to purplish flowers. This drought-tolerant plant is often used in xeriscaping and can regrow after wildfires. It is pollinated by the California yucca moth and has historical uses by Native Americans.
Nolina texana
Nolina texana, related to yucca, resembles an evergreen ornamental grass and is native to the south-central United States and Northern Mexico. It produces small white flowers on 3-foot spikes in spring and is well-suited for xeriscape or native plant gardens. This plant thrives in alkaline soil with good drainage and is winter hardy in USDA zones 7 to 11.
Sansevieria 'Sayuri'
Sansevieria 'Sayuri' is a tropical plant native to West Africa, known for its resilience in high temperatures and humidity. It thrives indoors with plenty of light and can adapt to various soil types. This easy-care plant is popular for its air-purifying qualities and ability to withstand less-than-ideal conditions.
Agave bracteosa
Agave bracteosa, native to the Sierra Madre Oriental of Mexico, is a succulent with long, spineless leaves that curl gracefully. It thrives in well-drained, semi-shaded locations and is known for its distinctive flower spike resembling a yellow bottlebrush. This plant is ideal for rock gardens and xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance.
Hosta 'Frances Williams'
Hosta 'Frances Williams' is a clump-forming perennial known for its heart-shaped blue leaves with lime-green margins that mature to yellow beige. This plant produces funnel-shaped white flowers with a lilac tint, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. It thrives in full to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. 'Frances Williams' can grow 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, making it a substantial presence in shade gardens. Its striking foliage and low maintenance make it a favorite among gardeners.
Ledebouria socialis 'Silver Squill'
Ledebouria socialis 'Silver Squill' is an easy-to-grow houseplant with mottled foliage and clusters of purple/blue flowers in spring. Native to South Africa, it requires several hours of bright sunlight and can tolerate a range of temperatures. This bulb plant is known for its winter dormancy period.
Sansevieria 'Starfish'
Sansevieria 'Starfish' is a striking plant with long, smooth cylindrical leaves featuring stripes. It requires medium to low light and should be allowed to dry out between waterings, making it an easy-care option for indoor spaces.
Sansevieria 'Gold Flame'
An evergreen perennial native to tropical West Africa and Nigeria, this plant has sword-shaped leaves with a yellow outline and dark green pattern. It is a natural air purifier, drought tolerant, and easily propagated by leaf cuttings.
Sansevieria 'Bantel's Sensation'
Sansevieria 'Bantel's Sensation' is an easy-care houseplant known for its tall, sharply-pointed, sword-shaped leaves. It is adaptable and tolerant of low-light conditions, making it a popular choice for indoor environments.
Dracaena fragrans
Dracaena fragrans, commonly known as the corn plant, is a popular indoor foliage plant with broad leaves featuring white and green stripes. It thrives in medium to bright light and prefers average room temperatures. The plant is easy to care for, requiring the soil to dry out between waterings. Known for its air-purifying qualities, Dracaena fragrans is a great choice for improving indoor air quality. Its attractive foliage makes it a favorite for home and office environments.
Agave vilmoriniana
Agave vilmoriniana, or octopus agave, is a unique plant native to Mexico, recognized for its octopus-like shape. It grows up to 3 feet tall and blooms once with clusters of small yellow flowers. This agave prefers dry conditions and full sun, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It produces numerous plantlets for easy propagation.
Asparagus asparagoides
Asparagus asparagoides, resembling poet's laurel, is a deciduous climbing plant native to eastern and southern Africa. It thrives in sun to part shade and is considered invasive in Australia and New Zealand. This plant is used in floral arrangements and spreads through seeds dispersed by animals.
Yucca angustissima
Yucca angustissima, or narrowleaf yucca, is a native plant of the southwestern US, forming colonies of basal rosettes. It features long, thin leaves and white to cream flowers. This deer-resistant plant is drought-tolerant and ideal for xeriscaping.
Ledebouria socialis 'Miner'
Ledebouria socialis 'Miner' is a small plant with slim, spotted leaves that thrives in moderate to bright indirect light. It is known for its ability to dry out between waterings, making it a low-maintenance choice for indoor gardens. This plant's unique appearance and adaptability make it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of greenery to their homes.
Sansevieria 'Lauren'
Sansevieria 'Lauren' is an easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its tall, sharply-pointed, sword-shaped leaves. It is highly adaptable and tolerant of low-light conditions, making it a popular choice for indoor environments.
Yucca cernua
Yucca cernua, or 'nodding Yucca', is a rare species from eastern Texas with downward-hanging flowers. It grows in disturbed habitats and features solitary rosettes of glaucous foliage, topped with tall flower spikes. This plant is a candidate for the USDA Threatened and Endangered list.
Sansevieria 'Kirkii Coppertone'
Sansevieria 'Kirkii Coppertone' is an easy-care houseplant with tall, sharply-pointed, sword-shaped leaves. It is highly adaptable and tolerant of low-light conditions, making it a popular choice for indoor environments.
Yucca filamentosa
Yucca filamentosa is a variegated selection with green leaves and creamy white margins. It forms an 18-inch tall clump and produces 5-foot tall stalks of white bell-shaped flowers in late spring. This plant is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Dracaena 'Malaika'
Dracaena 'Malaika', commonly known as Dragon Tree, features upright growth with broad, white and green striped leaves. It prefers medium to bright light and requires the soil to dry out between waterings, making it an easy-care indoor plant with air-purifying benefits.
Dracaena 'Red Margined'
Dracaena 'Red Margined' is an evergreen tree known for its air-purifying qualities and easy care. It features stiff, ribbon-like green leaves with red margins and slim, curving stalks. This plant thrives in low light conditions, making it a popular choice for indoor environments.
Aspidistra 'Cast Iron'
Aspidistra 'Cast Iron' is a hardy tropical indoor plant with long, stiff, pointed evergreen leaves. Known for its ability to withstand temperature extremes and harsh conditions, it features solitary, bell-shaped flowers that are typically lilac in color. This plant is easy to care for and thrives in bright light, making it a popular choice for indoor environments.
Nolina cespitifera
Nolina cespitifera is a trunkless clump-forming plant with evergreen leaves that can reach up to 4 feet in length. This drought-tolerant perennial is native to Mexico and is well-suited for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It thrives in sunny locations and is known for its ability to attract insects, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal. Nolina cespitifera's unique form and resilience make it a standout choice for gardeners looking to create a low-maintenance, water-wise landscape.
Dasylirion acrotrichum
Dasylirion acrotrichum, native to the Chihuahuan Desert and parts of Mexico, is a striking succulent with narrow, firm leaves forming a rosette up to 6 feet tall and wide. Known for its drought tolerance, this plant can withstand temperatures as low as 8 degrees Fahrenheit. In mid-summer, it produces a tall flower spike adorned with small white flowers. The plant's frayed leaf tips and potential to develop a 4-foot tall trunk add to its unique appearance. Ideal for xeriscaping, it thrives in sunny locations and requires minimal water.
Agave obscura
Agave obscura is a small, rarely suckering plant native to Mexican states, found on rocky outcrops. It forms a tight mound of green, small-spined leaves and produces a 15-foot tall flower spike of dark red flowers when mature.
Cordyline 'Chocolate Queen'
Cordyline 'Chocolate Queen' is a striking plant with long green leaves adorned with purple, brown, and yellow streaks that mature to a deep green. It is versatile, tolerating medium light and suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. This plant prefers consistent moisture and can add a tropical touch to any setting with its colorful foliage.
Dracaena reflexa
Dracaena reflexa, native to the Indian Ocean islands, is an ornamental plant prized for its richly colored, evergreen leaves and thick, irregular stems. It has a slow-growing, upright habit and produces small, fragrant white flowers. Popular as a houseplant, it prefers bright, filtered light and tolerates infrequent watering. This plant is also significant in traditional medicine in Madagascar and plays a role in the diet of the Malagasy black-and-white ruffed lemur.
Agave parviflora
Agave parviflora is a dwarf agave with narrow, dark green leaves marked with white. It features a 5-foot tall bloom spike and produces cream or pale yellow flowers in summer. This rare species is endangered in Arizona and grows in semi-desert grasslands and oak woodlands.
Dracaena 'Florida Beauty'
Dracaena 'Florida Beauty' is a versatile plant that grows well in low light conditions, resembling small indoor trees. It features glossy green leaves with yellow flecks that age to white, and thick brown bamboo-like stems, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor growth.