Many species of Agave and Yucca should probably be more popular here than they are. Several are endemic to desert or chaparral climates. Once established locally, they may survive without irrigation. Occasional watering through summer only improves their foliar color and vigor. Except for gophers that might attack from below, not much offends them.
The primary deterrent to their popularity is their dangerous foliar spines. Many species of Agave and Yucca grow too large to not become obtrusive within compact home gardens. Consequently, their striking but hazardous foliage can be difficult to avoid. Fortunately, a few species such as thread agave, Agave filifera, remain proportionate to home gardens.
Thread agave develops rounded foliar rosettes that are less than three feet wide and two feet tall. Evergreen leaves retain silvery impressions of adjacent leaves. Although growth is generally slow, vigorous floral stalks may grow rapidly to ten feet tall during summer, to bloom during autumn. Pups begin to replace original rosettes prior to monocarpic bloom.
Tony Tomeo 
We are able to grow some here. I guess they can tolerate more water. What is the difference between Agave and Yucca?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most Yucca have thinner leaves, without nasty teeth on the edges. However, some Yucca have thick leaves. Also, some Agave lack marginal teeth. Some Yucca develop trunks. Agave do not. Agave tend to be more ‘succulent’. Yucca, even those with thick leaves, tend to be more fibrous. Otherwise, the two genera are somewhat similar. Both Yucca and Agave live in both desert and jungle situations. Agaves that live in deserts actually tolerate significant moisture without rotting. Yucca that live in deserts eventually rot from too much moisture. Joshua tree can grow fast for a few years with excessive moisture, but then rot and fall over. That is the sort of tree that one does not want to fall uncontrollably!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I have a WWII photo of my grandfather from PA in San Antonio next to what would be a very interesting plant to him and I believe it is a Yucca as the leaves are thin. I will post it some day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If the specimen was installed into a landscape, it could be any species of Yucca or Agave. Of the species of Agave, only Agave lechuguilla or Agave americana are native to the region. Of the species of Yucca, only arkansana, constricta, pallida, reverchonii, rupicola, torreyi and treculeana are native. Even if so many species of Yucca are difficult to distinguish, the two native species of Agave are rather distinctive, so you can likely eliminate them as potential identities of the unknown Yucca visually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I decide to post it (I’m saving it for when I run out of ideas) I’ll call it a Yucca and see what you think. Of course, it is a very old B&W.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should likely let me know when it posts, since I do not see much nowadays.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will do.
LikeLiked by 1 person