I believe that's the cultivar called Jewel of India. Not 100% positive but its one of themost common forms available in the box store market as a houseplant

Yeah, I would have to agree with the Cyperus spp. after reading the original description again, pretty spot on!

Nevermind, got it! Was barking up the wrong plant, aloe, when it turns out to be bromelia. Bromelia goeldiana. thanks all!

It doesn't sound familiar to me. I found nothing under "Duck Bill Plant" and searching "Texas Hummingbird Plant" brought up this: Anise Hyssop but it is not white and grows taller than what you describe: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/134/ Could it be a white salvia like this: http://www.fowlersnursery.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=224 http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/604.htm Here is a link that might be useful: Texas Hummingbird Mint