Adam's Needle

Adam's Needle (Yucca filamentosa)

Adam�s Needle (Yucca filamentosa) is a bold, evergreen perennial prized for its architectural form, spiky blue-green foliage, and dramatic summer flower spikes. Native to the southeastern United States, this hardy yucca thrives in hot, dry conditions and poor soils, making it a standout in xeriscapes, coastal gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. Its sword-like leaves and towering blooms bring texture, structure, and strong visual impact to a wide range of designs.

Distinctive Features

This species forms a clumping rosette of stiff, lance-shaped leaves edged with curling white filaments�giving rise to its common name. In early to midsummer, mature plants send up tall flower stalks reaching 5 to 8 feet high, topped with large, bell-shaped white flowers that attract pollinators and glow in evening light. The foliage remains evergreen, forming a tidy, symmetrical base that anchors the garden year-round. Plants typically reach 2 to 3 feet wide and tall, with flower spikes adding vertical height when in bloom.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun is ideal for best form and flowering.
• Soil: Thrives in sandy, rocky, or poor soils; excellent drainage is essential.
• Water: Very low once established; highly drought tolerant.
• Humidity: Well adapted to both dry and humid conditions.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10; extremely tough and winter hardy across most of the U.S.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Architectural shape and dramatic blooms create standout features in dry landscapes.
• Xeriscapes: Ideal for waterwise gardens with minimal irrigation.
• Coastal Gardens: Salt-tolerant and wind-resistant for tough seaside locations.
• Rock Gardens: Bold form and evergreen texture complement stone and gravel.
• Pollinator Gardens: Summer flowers attract bees, butterflies, and moths.

Low Maintenance Care

Adam�s Needle is nearly effortless to grow, thriving in tough conditions with little care. It is deer resistant, erosion controlling, and well-suited to long-term, low-input plantings.

• Watering: Water deeply during establishment; afterward, very little watering is needed.
• Pruning: Remove flower stalks after blooming to tidy appearance; dead leaves may be trimmed as needed.
• Fertilizing: Rarely needed; a light spring feeding can promote flowering if desired.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Highly resistant; rarely affected by insects or disease.
• Winter Care: Fully evergreen and hardy; no protection required.

Why Choose Adam's Needle?

Adam�s Needle combines strong visual presence, durability, and adaptability, making it a cornerstone of dry, sunny gardens where other plants may struggle to survive.

• Evergreen Structure: Stiff foliage adds bold form and year-round presence.
• Striking Flower Spikes: Tall white blooms bring vertical interest and seasonal drama.
• Drought and Heat Tolerant: Perfect for tough sites and water-restricted areas.
• Deer and Salt Resistant: Withstands browsing and coastal conditions.
• Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care in harsh environments.

For reliable structure, brilliant blooms, and unmatched toughness, Adam�s Needle (Yucca filamentosa) is a top-performing choice for bold, low-maintenance gardens.