Adam’s Needle (Yucca filamentosa)

Adam’s Needle

(Yucca filamentosa)

Photo by David J. Stang

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Photo by David J. Stang

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Photo by David J. Stang | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: David Stang | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Yucca_filamentosa_5zz.jpg | Notes: == {{int:filedesc}} == {{Information |description={{en|1=''Microbiota decussata'', Lavochka, Shkotovsky District, Primorsky Krai, Russia.}} |date=2021-08-31 |source=https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/155691297 |author=[https://www.inaturalist.org/peopl

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Yucca filamentosa, commonly known as Adam’s Needle, is an evergreen perennial that can also be classified as a subshrub, shrub, or succulent. It is native to sandy soils in open woodlands and grasslands of the Southeastern USA. This species typically reaches up to 3 m (10 ft) in height when in flower, with a spread of 1.5 m (5 ft). The rosettes of sword-like leaves create a bold textural effect, and the cream-colored, bell-shaped flowers are borne on tall spikes in early summer, adding vertical interest to the garden. The flowers are particularly showy and can attract pollinators such as moths.

Adam’s Needle is valued for its architectural form and its ability to withstand drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used as a specimen plant or in mass plantings for a dramatic effect. It requires full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in sandy or rocky soils with good drainage. It is adaptable to a range of pH levels from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it may benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Gardeners should be cautious when planting Yucca filamentosa, as its large taproot makes it difficult to remove and it can become invasive if not managed properly. It is also resistant to deer and rabbit browsing.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Succulent
Height: 4-8 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Cream, White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Very Low, Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Sandy soils in open woodlands and grasslands

Other Names

Common Names: Spanish Bayonet , Bear-Grass , Needle-Palm , Silk-Grass , Spoon-Leaf Yucca , Beargrass , Common Yucca , Needle Palm , Silkgrass , Yucca

Scientific Names: Yucca filamentosa , Yucca filamentosa var. media , Yucca filamentosa var. filamentosa , Yucca filamentosa var. bracteata , Yucca filamentosa var. variegata , Yucca filamentosa var. patens , Yucca filamentosa f. bicolor , Yucca filamentosa f. genuina , Yucca filamentosa f. variegata , Yucca filamentosa subsp. bracteata

GBIF Accepted Name: Yucca filamentosa L.