dracaena
Dracaena Vand. ex L.
A genus overview; characteristics vary between its species.
Dracaena is a remarkably varied genus of evergreen perennials, ranging from herbaceous plants to woody shrubs and trees. Familiar cane-like houseplants belong here, but so do the succulent snake plants formerly called Sansevieria. DNA-based classification brought those plants into a broader Dracaena, expanding the range of forms represented by the name. NC State Extension: Dracaena
Botanical name
Dracaena is accepted in Asparagaceae, with the fuller citation Vand. ex L. Its modern circumscription includes plants formerly separated as Sansevieria. Kew Plants of the World Online: Dracaena
Recognizing the plant
Some members have a single upright stem, while others branch or carry their leaves in rosettes. Leaf shapes range from narrow, grass-like blades to broader spears. Foliage can be plain green or marked with stripes and contrasting red, yellow or pale coloration. These differences mean that neither a trunk nor a particular leaf pattern defines every member. The flowers are small, sometimes fragrant, and occur in white or yellow shades. They are followed by berries. Plants kept indoors often flower infrequently, so cultivated specimens may be encountered mainly as foliage plants. NC State Extension: Dracaena
Native range
The native range extends through tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas, including numerous islands. This wide distribution accompanies substantial differences in growth form within the genus. Kew Plants of the World Online: Dracaena
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.