Spanish Bayonet is a dramatic coastal yucca growing along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts from North Carolina to Mexico, forming a trunk up to 10 feet tall topped with a rosette of rigid, sword-like leaves with needle-sharp tips. Large, waxy white flowers are borne on an upright spike and are fragrant at night. The tough, saw-edged leaves were used by Indigenous peoples as a source of fiber for rope and baskets. Spanish Bayonet is a characteristic plant of coastal dunes and maritime shrub communities.
Best time to see a Spanish Bayonet
The best time to see a Spanish Bayonet is January–June, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,010 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Spanish Bayonet? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Spanish Bayonet sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Spanish Bayonet? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Spanish Bayonet is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.