It is native to south-central and southeastern North America, from the lower Great Plains eastward to the Atlantic seaboard in Virginia, south through Florida and the Gulf states.

In summer, 150 cm (59 in) long panicles of bell-shaped creamy white flowers are held above the foliage.

[4] Populations in the South Central Region of the United States with unusually narrow leaves have been segregated as Y. louisianensis by some authorities.

[11] A number of yucca moths lay their eggs upon Y. flaccida as a host plant, an example being Tegeticula intermedia.

[7] Numerous cultivars are available, some with variegated leaves, of which 'Golden Sword'[13] and 'Ivory'[14] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.