When yucca is blooming in late spring through early- to mid-summer, the plant looks very diplomatic in a landscape. The flowers are bell-shaped, fragrant and creamy white, stacked up the sides of a sturdy 5- to 8-foot stalk that stands straight and tall like a soldier. The rest of the plant is less noticeable although stately in itself, producing a nest of thick, sword-shaped, deep-green leaves clustered just above the ground.

Yucca has come in and out of favor as a landscape plant. The most common species in Kansas and much of the Midwest is Yucca filamentosa, also known as Adam’s needle. This species is native to the region, nearly pest-free, and tolerant of poor soils and poor growing conditions. For gardeners who like low-maintenance, fuss-free plants, Yucca filamentosa is an excellent choice. The plant may be hard to find, though, because it is often considered too common or too easy to grow for some gardeners, and it rarely needs replacing.

Yucca prefers full sun to part shade with poor, dry soil.

Yucca can also be a bit overwhelming in a landscape because of its coarse texture and size. It is often planted as a specimen near a mailbox or at the edge of the driveway, but is a better selection for a mixed landscape bed. Mixed with shrubs and perennials, the height of the flower stalk adds interest in May and June while the foliage blends into the landscape the rest of the year.

Newer cultivated varieties are also a good choice. Color Guard, Bright Edge, Variegata, and Golden Sword yucca are a few variegated options with yellow or white centers or margin in the plant’s leaves. These varieties are all a little smaller than the species and a little more graceful in appearance.

Another species, Yucca glauca or small soapweed, is native to the western three-fourths of Kansas. It is also easy to grow in the landscape.

Red yucca is grown in the south and southwest and looks somewhat similar to the other yuccas but produces a red flower rather than the creamy white flower that is typical of yuccas. Red yucca is actually unrelated — its scientific name is Hesperaloe parviflora. It is hardy to zone 7, so may survive the winter in the Lawrence area. Red yucca needs poor, dry soil to thrive.

To maintain yucca plants, prune out the flower stalk after blooming or when it becomes unsightly. Remove dead foliage each year in early spring with a sharp knife or pruners. Avoid watering or fertilizing.

If you have a yucca plant to remove, good luck. The plant can be dug but has a deep taproot that may regrow even a year or two later. Dig and treat the cut root with an herbicide for best results, or learn to love the plant.

Flowers and fruit pods of yucca may be eaten raw or cooked.

Native Americans used yucca for food, medicine, fiber, and soap. Fibers from yucca leaves were twisted into thread for baskets, nets, fishing lines, and clothing. Roots contain saponin and were soaked, ground and/or pounded for use as soap.

— Jennifer Smith is a former horticulture extension agent for K-State Research and Extension and horticulturist for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. She is the host of “The Garden Show.”