Adam's needle - Yucca filamentosa (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Adam's needle

Also known as: Spoon-Leaf Yucca, Silkgrass, Adam's-Needle, Spoonleaf Yucca, Spanish Dagger, Beargrass, Bear-grass, Needle-palm, Spanish bayonet

Adam's needle (Yucca filamentosa) is a compact evergreen shrub highly appreciated by horticulturalists and landscapers worldwide. Yucca filamentosa takes the spotlight in almost every garden due to its stunning looks. It is easily recognized by its large clusters of gentle white flowers, which are in sharp contrast to the green rosettes of sword-shaped leaves.

Scientific classification

Species

Adam's needle (Yucca filamentosa)

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

20 cm to 3 m

Plant Height

60 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green, Yellow, Blue, Gray, Variegated

Leaf Color

4 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Copper

Fruit Color

White, Cream

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Adam's needle

Distribution of Adam's needle

Distribution Map

Adam's needle is native to Georgia, growing in sunny areas with well-drained soil. It has naturalized in Italy, France, and Turkey.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dunes, Waste ground, Pine forests

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Adam's needle (Yucca filamentosa) is a spectacular ornamental evergreen shrub that is a popular garden fixture. The plant has plenty of year-round appeal with its cluster of blade-like leaves and in summer an attention-grabbing stalk of cream-white flowers appears. Adam's needle is drought and salt tolerant and so is a great coastal garden plant that also adds character to beds, borders, and rock gardens. Bushy asters, pearly everlasting, and Siberian spurge all offer great contrasts.

Symbolism

Transmutation, Protection, Purification, Strength, Loyalty, New opportunities

Interesting Facts

Adam's needle is one of many plants in existence that can be used to stun and kill fish for hunting and collecting. The Cherokee indigenous people used adam's needle for this purpose. To stun and kill fish, an extraction of adam's needle roots and leaves is prepared, and then poured into a stream or a pond. The contained fish toxin results in floating fish that are easy to collect.

Name Story

Adam's needle: Generally, this name can apply to all the plants from the Yucca genus. However, the most popular of all is this species. It is a slow-growing evergreen with sharp-tipped, sword-shaped leaves. One brush against it and you will find out how apt its common name truly is!

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Adam's needle, including the following common varieties :

Adam's needle 'Color Guard'Adam's needle 'Variegata'Adam's needle 'Bright Edge'Adam's needle 'Excalibur'

Toxicity

Adam's needle has extremely sharp leaf tips that can cause deep puncture wounds, potentially inserting toxic saponin chemicals. Symptoms include swelling and sensitivity for up to a week. Permanent eye or hearing damage may occur; exercise caution near this plant.

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Quickly Identify Adam's needle

Curled fibers along bluish-green leaves' margins create a unique texture.

Waxy, creamy white bell-shaped flowers on tall panicles with a mild fragrance.

Fruit transitions from green to brown, housing black seeds, distinctive for identification.

Stem supports significant height, stout, unbranched, with fibrous base, light grey to brown.

Basal rosette of stemless sword-shaped leaves with inrolled margins and thread-like filaments.

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Care Guide for Adam's needle

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Adam's needle thrives in arid conditions, showing strong drought tolerance. It requires soil to dry between waterings, ideally once every 2-3 weeks. As a xeric landscape plant, adam's needle excels in managing water during heat and prolonged sun exposure.

Fertilize: Fertilize adam's needle with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in spring at 1/2 lb per inch of trunk diameter. Over-fertilization can damage roots; use slow-release formulas and adjust feeding during dormancy. Water well after application to enhance absorption and avoid root burn. Wear gloves to protect hands.

Pruning: Adam's needle features sword-like leaves and tall flower spikes. Prune in early spring by removing dead leaves and spent stalks to promote healthy growth and deter pests. Use clean, sharp tools for precise cuts, enhancing appearance and encouraging vigorous development.

Propagation: Adam's needle is a resilient perennial that requires minimal maintenance. Propagation is effective via rhizome or offset cuttings. Choose healthy sections, let them callus for a day, and plant in well-draining soil without burying too deeply to promote strong root growth.

Repotting: Repot adam's needle every 2-3 years in spring to promote growth. Use a wide, sturdy pot and provide bright, indirect light after repotting. Limit watering to avoid root rot, and ensure well-draining soil to replicate its natural arid habitat for best recovery and growth.

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Images of Adam's needle

Distribution of Adam's needle

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Adam's needle

Care Guide for Adam's needle

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