Yucca rupicola aka Twist Leaf Yucca

Yucca rupicola is known as twisted-leaf yucca or Texas yucca. This evergreen perennial belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. Its native range runs from south-central Texas into northeastern Mexico. Kew places its Texas range in the southeastern Edwards Plateau. It grows on limestone ledges and on open plains. Plants For A Future describes it as a small shrub. It reaches about 2 feet [0.6 metres] in height.

The plant keeps its leaves throughout the year. Plants For A Future records its flowering season as September. Each flower has both male and female organs. In its native range, a specific moth pollinates the flowers. That moth does not live in Britain. Gardeners there must pollinate flowers by hand to obtain seed. A small brush can transfer pollen between the flowers. The source also reports regular outdoor flowering in Scotland.

Grow this yucca in sun or light shade. It prefers sandy loam but accepts sand, loam, and clay. Good drainage matters more than rich soil. It also grows in soil with few nutrients. Its soil pH range spans mildly acid to mildly alkaline. It accepts dry or moist soil and withstands drought once established. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. It reports survival down to at least 23°F [−5°C]. Poor, sandy soil can help plants withstand cold. Outdoor plants have succeeded in Britain's drier areas. They tolerate strong winds, but not exposure to sea winds.

This small evergreen suits a planted garden bed. Its leaves supply fibre for ropes, baskets, and mats. The roots contain saponins and can serve as a soap substitute. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal uses. It reports that people can eat the fruit raw or cooked. Flowers are also edible raw or cooked. Dried, crushed flowers can add flavour to food. The flowering stem is eaten cooked, much like asparagus. These edible uses do not make every part safe. Root saponins can harm people and are highly toxic to fish.

Grow new plants from seed or root cuttings. Sow seeds under glass in spring. A warm-water soak may shorten the wait for germination. Seedlings need shelter through their first two winters. Root cuttings can be taken in late winter or early spring.