New Mexico Spanish Bayonet

Although J. L. Reveal (1977c) reduced Yucca neomexicana to a variety of Y. harrimaniae, the two taxa are morphologically and geographically distinct, and K. H. Clary’s (1997) DNA evidence supports their recognition as separate species.

Plants cespitose, forming single or open colonies, each separated by 35–60 cm, acaulescent or rarely caulescent; rosettes usually small, mostly asymmetrical. Stems, when present, primarily rhizomatous, shorter than 1 m. Leaf blade spreading, including distal leaves, spatulate-lanceolate, concavo-convex, thin, widest near middle, 15–46 × 0.7–2 cm, flexible, rather glaucous, margins entire, filiferous, brown or straw-colored. Inflorescences racemose, rarely paniculate proximally, arising within or more often 0–20 cm beyond rosettes, 4–7 dm; branches, when present, few, short; bracts reflexed when mature, purplish, narrowly triangular, proximal to 10 cm, distal 2–3 cm, tapering to pungent apex; peduncle sometimes scapelike, 0.1–0.4 m. Flowers pendent; perianth campanulate; tepals distinct, white to somewhat greenish white, usually tinged pink or purple, broadly lanceolate, 3–4.7 × 1.5–3 cm; filaments 1.3–1.7 cm; pistil 2.4–3.2 cm × 0.5–0.8 cm; style pale green or rarely white, 9–13 mm; stigmas lobed. Fruits erect, capsular, dehiscent, cylindrical, deeply constricted near middle, 3–4.2 × 2–2.7 cm, dehiscence septicidal. Seeds dull black, thin, 6–8 × 5–8 mm.

Colo., N.Mex., Okla.

Flowering spring--early summer.

Exposed rocky ledges in woodlands and grasslands; 1500--2700m.

Yucca harrimaniae Trelease var. neomexicana (Wooton & Standley) Reveal

Yucca neomexicana Wooton & Standl. is a plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to New Mexico, Colorado and Oklahoma. Common name is "New Mexican Spanish bayonet." It is similar to Y. harrimaniae Trel. but with a longer flowering stalk and white (rather than yellowish) flowers.