RUDOLPH – If this was a movie, it could be called "The Revenge of the Yucca."
For several years, Marcia and Garold Bradley had a whole area where they planted and enjoyed yucca
plants. Each would grow about 3-feet tall.
After a few years, Bradley said his wife tired of the yuccas so they removed them from their garden.
"For two to three years there was nothing that came up," he said.
Then, about two years ago, the yucca returned and to the amazement of the couple, it grew very tall. It
has returned an additional two years and grown taller each year, this year reaching 12 feet in height.

"I had them all dug out and thought I was clean and good to go," he stated. "When it came,
it came with a vengeance."
Yuccas are known to grow that tall in more favorable climate. The yucca is native to southeastern North
America, ranging from Florida to North Carolina and as far west as Texas. It is unusual for a yucca to
grow to that height in this area.
"I don’t know why it’s doing what its doing," Bradley said.
In addition, the family is not sure why it returned after being dormant for a couple of years; however,
he speculates it may be related to the fact the plant is deep-rooted. The seed may have just lay
dormant.
"It may have just taken that long to rejuvenate after I cut them out," Bradley noted.
The yucca is a perennial and shares its space with many other flowers in the Bradley garden. The couple
also plant a variety of annuals in the area.
At the end of the growing season, he cuts off the stalk.
"It takes a chain saw to cut it off," he said with a laugh.
Each year it just comes back. At least for now, the Bradleys are going to allow it to grow as it will.

Yuccas only known pollinator is the yucca moth. The female yucca moth has specialized mouthparts for
collecting pollen from the odd-shaped flowers.
The plants are widely grown as ornamentals in gardens.