Yucca in Bloom

This yucca plant was planted just inside the property line by the previous owner. I hadn't seen, or at least noticed, it bloom until this year. It's usually planted purely for ornamental purposes and I can see why. Those flowers are beautiful!

Some species of yucca have edible parts, but since I'm not entirely sure which species I've got I haven't tried to do anything with it from a culinary standpoint. It's appearance leads to confusion with yuca, or cassava, a commonly planted edible perennial, which is often planted and harvested annually from cuttings for its edible root.

Other uses include using the leaves to hang meat for drying or smoking. By piercing the meat with the spiny leaf and tying a knot a small hook is created making the hanging easier. Another use gives it it's nickname as the "sentry plant". Also utilizing the stiff sharp leaves, concerned parents would often plant this sentry underneath their daughters windows to stand guard. Deterring young suitors from climbing in, and their daughters from climbing out of first floor windows. I'm happy to just let it grow and watch it bloom, right where it is; standing sentry along the property line.