Flora of the Southeastern United States

Yucca flaccida Haworth. Common name: Weakleaf Yucca. Phenology: Late Apr-Jul; Sep-Oct. Habitat: Thin soils around rock outcrops, woodlands, roadsides, disturbed areas. Distribution: Sw. VA, c. NC and TN south to s. FL and AL; cultivated and rarely escaping westward, especially as variegated forms.

Origin/Endemic status: Endemic

Taxonomy Comments: Debate about whether or not this taxon is valid (and if so, as a variety or as a species) continues but Ward (2012) made a strong argument for maintaining it as distinct species and how to distinguish it from the similar Yucca filamentosa. Haworth (1819) in his original description did not mention whether his new species had pubescent or glabrous inflorescences. Ward (2006) designated a neotype with glabrous inflorescences. Trelease (1902) described both pubescent and glabrous inflorescences. Perhaps additional taxa warrant recognition.

Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, Can, Il, K4, Mi, NSProv, S, S13, Tx, Va, W, Ward (2011d); = Yucca filamentosa L. var. smalliana (Fernald) H.E.Ahles — RAB; = Yucca smalliana Fernald — F, Mo1, WV; < Yucca filamentosa L. — C, G, NS, NY, POWO, WH3; < Yucca flaccida Haw. — FNA26, Pa; > Yucca flaccida Haw. var. flaccida — Ward (2004c); > Yucca flaccida Haw. var. smalliana (Fernald) D.B.Ward — Ward (2004c); Yucca flaccida Haw. Basionym: Yucca flaccida Haw. 1819

Links to other floras: < Yucca flaccida - FNA26

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Heliophily ⓘ: 7