Dracaena trifasciata is a stemless perennial that spreads by creeping rhizomes to form dense clumps, native to tropical West and Central Africa. It was long known as Sansevieria trifasciata Prain and was transferred to Dracaena by Mabberley in 2017. Stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves rise from the rhizome and are usually 40 to 120 cm long and 2.5 to 7 cm wide, dark green with pale gray-green crossbands. Greenish white to cream flowers are borne on an erect raceme 40 to 75 cm tall, and some open fragrant at night. The plant uses CAM photosynthesis, opening its stomata at night to take in carbon dioxide, which reduces water loss and contributes to its drought tolerance. Many cultivars are grown, including 'Laurentii' with yellow leaf margins and the dwarf rosette-forming 'Hahnii'. The leaves contain saponins and are toxic to dogs and cats, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if eaten.
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