•Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and wide
•Phenology: Perennial herb with basal rosette of yucca-like leaves; cylindrical flower heads with small, greenish-white flowers in summer
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Bloom Season: Summer
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0)
•Moisture Requirements: Drought-tolerant once established, prefers moderately moist soil
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Naturalistic landscapes, prairie gardens, butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens
•Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring; avoid overwatering
•Considerations: Spiky foliage can be sharp, handle with care; may self-seed in favorable conditions
•Edible: Not typically consumed
•Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, such as treating snakebites and as a diuretic
•Toxicity to Pets: Not known to be toxic, but spiky foliage may cause irritation
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Blazing star (Liatris spp.), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
•Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies; provides habitat and food for various insects