Shrubs Adam’s Needle
(Yucca filamentosa)
Other Common Names: Adam’s Needle, Common Yucca, Spanish Bayonet, Bear-Grass, Silk-Grass, Spoon-Leaf Yucca
Deer Resistant
Drought-Tolerant
Evergreen
Flowering
Freeze Hardy
Full Sun
Recommended Use: Great for accent planting in rock gardens, dry borders, or as a drought-tolerant focal point
Striking Structure Meets Low Maintenance
Adam’s Needle is a bold architectural plant ideal for low-water landscapes. Its evergreen sword-like leaves and dramatic flower spike add visual interest to xeric beds and sunny foundations.
Maintenance Requirements
This yucca is incredibly easy to care for. Once established, it needs very little water and thrives in heat and poor soils. Just trim spent flower stalks and remove old leaves as needed.
Quick Facts
- Cold hardy and heat tolerant
- Ideal for xeriscapes and borders
- Produces tall stalks of creamy white flowers
- Evergreen foliage offers year-round structure
- Hardy to USDA Zone 4-10
Planting & Site Selection Tips
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained soils; avoid heavy, waterlogged areas.
- Spacing: Allow enough space for mature width to avoid crowding.
Watering Guidelines
- Water deeply when first planted; reduce frequency as plant establishes.
- Overwatering can cause root rot—best to err on the dry side.
Companion Plants
- Pairs well with other drought-tolerant species like agave, salvia, or ornamental grasses.
Landscape Uses
- Useful for erosion control on slopes.
- Great choice for firewise landscaping due to low flammability.
Pests & Problems
- Rarely troubled by pests or diseases.
- Watch for potential yucca weevils or leaf spot in very humid locations.
Propagation
- Easily propagated by division of offsets (pups) or from seed.
Wildlife & Pollinators
- Attracts night-flying moths, especially the yucca moth, which is essential for pollination.
- Provides shelter for small wildlife but is generally unpalatable to deer and rabbits.
Caution
- While not toxic, the sharp tips can pose a hazard near walkways or play areas; place accordingly.
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