INTRODUCTION

The Adams Needle, or Yucca Filamentosa, is most closely related to lilies. Reaching nearly 12 feet in the warmest climates, the Adams Needle features one-inch-wide basal leaves that can be two to three feet long. While resilient, the Adams Needle does best in drier climates, and when place in full sun.

The Adams is great to use I rock gardens, and mixed with various other perennials. They can also be used with other palms as a border or hedging, adding some variety to the visual. One needs to be careful about the placement of the palm trees, however, as the sharp-tipped points of their leaves can poke and puncture.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Botanical Name: Yucca Filamentosa
Pronunciation: YUCK-kuh fill-luh-men-TOE-suh
Common Name(s): Adams Needle
Family: Agavaceae
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7B through 10
Planting month for zone 7: year round
Planting month for zone 8: year round
Planting month for zone 9: year round
Planting month for zone 10: year round
Origin: native to Florida
Uses: specimen; naturalizing; border; accent; attracts butterflies
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the
region to find the plant

USE AND MANAGEMENT

Adam’s Needle can be used as a specimen to accent an area in the landscape. Its striking texture will draw attention. It has also been planted in mass on 3- to 4-foot centers to form a ground cover effect. Locate the plant 3 to 4 feet back from the edge of a walk or patio to prevent getting injured from the spine at the tip of the leaves.

Adam’s Needle grows in its native habitat in well drained soils in mostly sunny locations. It tolerates partial shade well, provided enough air circulates to keep the plant on the dry side.

There is a variegated cultivar called ‘Variegata’ that has light yellow stripes along the margins.

 

Pests

No serious pests effect the plant if its cultural requirements are met.

Diseases

No serious diseases effect the plant if its cultural requirements are met.