| Spanish Dagger is tree-like, growing from 5 to 25 feet in height. It can be found in well-drained areas of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains. The leaves are bluish-green, 2 1/2 to 4 feet in length and 1 to 3 1/2 inches wide. The creamy white flowers mature from December to April and can be found on tall stalks measuring 1 1/2 to 4 feet. The reddish-brown fruit turns black when mature and is eaten by small mammals. During the frontier days, Spanish Dagger leaves were used to make rope or thatch, the trunks were used for posts, and the blossoms were used for pickles or cooked like cabbage. It is also said that Indians made an intoxicating beverage by fermenting the fruit. |
