Yucca filamentosa
Yucca filamentosa
Adam's Needle, Spanish Bayonet

Yucca is a virtually stemless broadleaf evergreen plant that is native to beaches, sand dunes and fields throughout southern United States. It forms a basal rosette of rigid, sword-shaped, spine-tipped green leaves with long filamentous curly threads along the margins. In early summer a tall flowering stalk (up to 1.5 m) rises from the center of each rosette, bearing nodding bell-shaped creamy white flowers. The plant will form a small colony over time from basal offsets.

  • Height: 60-90 cm (2-3 ft)
  • Spread: 60-90 cm (2-3 ft)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 4-9
  • Sun or Shade: minimum 6 hours of direct sun
  • Bloom Time: mid summer
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: white
  • Critter Resistance: deer and rabbits

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Succulent in nature, Yuccas do well in low water and rock gardens, tolerating dry soils that many other perennials do not. Tall flower scapes appear at maturity like elaborate candelabras. It often takes several years before a new plant will bloom. Grow these plants in full sun so they might reach their full potential.

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