Interesting Facts. Fruit are fleshy or dry capsules, not usually seen outside of their native range since flowers much be pollinated by the yucca moth. bracteata Engelm. Flora of North America (FNA) Collection. NATIVE INFO Native Range. Adam's needle is a slow-growing native plant found scattered through the woods in the southeastern United States (Fig. Native Range: MA to WI, south to s FL & e. TX. Yucca filamentosa,[1] Adam’s needle and thread,[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae[3] native to the southeastern United States. [4], Its common names include Adam's needle, common yucca, Spanish bayonet,[5] bear-grass, needle-palm, silk-grass, and spoon-leaf yucca. This plant is fully hardy, despite looking as though it belongs in a hot desert environment. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Division type: clump, off-shoot They need well drained soil with plenty of grit added. Yucca filamentosa Linnaeus [family AGAVACEAE], Sp. It features a basal rosette of rigid, sword-shaped, spine-tipped green leaves (to 30 long and to 4 wide) with long filamentous (as per s… Adam's-needle is native to southeastern North America, but is occasionally found outside its native range due to being widely cultivated. [4] It has become naturalized along the Atlantic coastal plain north to Long Island Sound and into areas of the lower Midwest. Flora of North America. Family: Agavaeae. It is naturally a focal point in the landscape, also providing a tropical touch in temperate gardens. This unique relationship is … Yucca is a genus of perennial shrubs and trees in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. Leaves form a foliage clump to 2-3’ tall. Adam's Needle, or simply Yucca, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with a unique form. mexicana S.Schauer; Yucca filamentosa … The species is also reportedly naturalized in France, Italy and Turkey. The Atlas of Florida Plants provides a source of information for the distribution of plants within the state and taxonomic information. USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10. In late spring a 3- to 6-foot stalk appears with cluster of white, bell-shaped flowers. It is found in a wide range of habitats like open woods, prairies, and hills. General Comments: Yucca is a plant for all seasons and many types of climate and cultural conditions. [14], Once the seeds have been removed, the fruits can be cooked and eaten. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. Adam’s Needle A small evergreen shrub, Yucca filamentosa develops thick rosettes of grey-green leaves that terminate into a sharp point. [6], Usually trunkless, it is multisuckering with heads of 75 cm (30 in) long, filamentous, blue-green, strappy leaves. Adds architectural height. Resource Type. Y. filamentosa is readily distinguished from other yucca species by white, thready filaments along the leaf margins. The "yucca flower" is the state flower of New Mexico. The large flower petals can also be eaten in salads. Adams needle yucca (Yucca filamentosa) is a plant in the agave family that is native to the Southeastern United States. Reference Sources. 1753. In … [7] Flower stems up to 3 m (10 ft) tall bear masses of pendulous cream flowers in early summer. They range from relatively small, trunkless species to tall, branched trees. The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers. Yucca filamentosa -- Adam’s Needle Page 3 October 1999 Use and Management Adam’s Needle can be used as a specimen to accent an area in the landscape. The website also provides access to a database and images of herbarium specimens found at the University of South Florida and other herbaria. It features a basal rosette of rigid, sword-shaped, spine-tipped green leaves (to 30” long and to 4” wide) with long filamentous (as per specific epithet) curly threads along the margins. Flowering Habits of Agave and Yucca Preferred temperature for germination: 82-90 degrees F ... Yucca filamentosa (1) Call us or email us to arrange a time to come out, or for delivery. Also may be grown in large containers. Surprising tolerance for some part shade. It develops a large, fleshy, white taproot with deep lateral roots. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas. Yucca is the Caribbean name for Cassava, originally misidentified as another species of Yucca. 1753. Yucca filamentosa, commonly called Adams needle, Spanish bayonet, yucca and needle palm, is a virtually stemless broadleaf evergreen shrub (though it looks more like a perennial than a shrub) that is native to beaches, sand dunes and fields from South Carolina south to Florida and Mississippi. Like several other yuccas, Adam’s needle has thin, wiry curls or filaments on the leaves (hence the species filamentosa). Yucca filamentosa, Adam’s needle and thread, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae native to the southeastern United States. Y. filamentosa is closely related to Yucca flaccida and it is possible they should be classified as a single species. Y. filamentosa is widely cultivated in mild temperate and subtropical climates. Origin and Habitat: Yucca filamentosa is a species of flowering plant in the family Agavaceae native to the southeastern United States as far west as Louisiana and as far north as Maryland and West Virginia. laevigata Engelm. Yucca filamentosa, commonly called Adams needle, Spanish bayonet, yucca and needle palm, is a virtually stemless broadleaf evergreen shrub (though it looks more like a perennial than a shrub) that is native to beaches, sand dunes and fields from South Carolina south to Florida and Mississippi. Plants stay small, growing no more than about 3 feet tall. Growing to 3 m (10 ft) tall, it is an evergreen shrub valued in horticulture for its architectural qualities. This plant is also called Spanish Bayonet, or Adam’s Needle , referring to the sharp tip at the end of each leaf. Summary Yucca filamentosa, Adam's Needle is available at Toadshade Wildflower Farm, a mail order nursery in Frenchtown, NJ, that specializes in native perennial wildflower plants and seeds. Yucca is a representative of the xeric "Southwestern-accent" landscape plants (even though it is native to the southeastern United States). filamentosa translates as "with filaments," referring to the thready leaf margins. Flowers white or cream, bell- or cup-shaped, drooping, in tall clusters (panicles), most are heavily scented at night. It has escaped cultivation and extended its original range north into New England. Yucca filamentosa var. [16] The Cherokee used it for this purpose.[17]. A fairly compact species, it nevertheless presents a striking appearance with its sword-like leaves and dramatic flowerheads. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Hand. Yucca filamentosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a medium rate. Yucca filamentosa, commonly called Adam’s needle, Spanish bayonet, yucca and needle palm, is a virtually stemless broadleaf evergreen shrub (though it looks more like a perennial than a shrub) that is native to beaches, sand dunes and fields from South Carolina south to Florida and Mississippi. Yucca is a drought-tolerant shrub with stemless, stiff evergreen leaves that end in a narrow point. Easily grown in light, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. May 30, 2013 Shopping Center Parking Lot Charlotte, NC Fruits are elliptical dehiscent capsules. It needs full sun and a well-drained soil, preferring an acid or slightly alkaline pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Continue reading for more Adams needle information, as well as tips on growing Adams needle yucca plants. Description: Evergreen to 3 ft with a 4-8 ft flower stalk. Adam's needle, or Yucca filamentosa, is a drought-tolerant, cold-hardy plant with impressive summer flowers and an architectural form. Native range: Southeastern U.S. from Texas to South Florida. Exposure: Full sun to partial shade. No serious insect or disease problems. This plant is most commonly found in sandy soils, especially in beach scrub and dunes, but also in fields, barrens, and rocky slopes, though it grows well also in silt or clay soils. The evergreen leaves are arranged in a rosette on the ground. Once planted and established, it is difficult to remove, as the roots keep sending up new shoots for many years. Wunderlin, R. P. 1998. Yucca fruit can be cooked and eaten after the seeds are removed; the large petals are used in salads. Yucca filamentosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a medium rate. 1). Today, the plant is used primarily as an ornamental in the garden. [8][9] Other moth species, such as Tegeticula intermedia, also use this yucca as a host plant to lay their eggs. Yucca filamentosa is found from southeast Virginia south to Florida, and as far west as south and southeast Texas. Moisture: Average to dry (Drought Tolerant) High Salt Tolerance. It is normally hardy down to −15 °C (5 °F) (USDA hardiness zones of 5 to 9: UK H5). It is reportedly also naturalized in France, Italy and Turkey.[11]. The stemless rosettes of leaves stand proud on the ground. May 30, 2013 Shopping Center Parking Lot Charlotte, NC. Yucca Plants & Cold Temperatures. In late spring, a flowering stalk rises from the center of each rosette, typically to 5-8’ tall, but infrequently to 12’ tall, bearing a long terminal panicles of nodding bell-shaped creamy white flowers. It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. Guide to the Vascular Plants of Florida i–x, 1–806. Yucca filamentosa . Will form a small colony over time from basal offsets.Genus name comes from the Carbi name for manihot, also called cassava or yuca, which is not closely related but has similarly enlarged root structures.Specific epithet means with filaments or threads. Yucca also come in a variety of colors, including the deep green Yucca gloriosa and the canary yellow Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’. Yucca Species: filamentosa Family: Asparagaceae Uses (Ethnobotany): The Native Americans used it for a variety of purposes including food, medicine, cordage and soap. Yucca filamentosa,[1] Adam’s needle and thread,[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae[3] native to … May 30, 2013 Shopping Center Parking Lot Charlotte, NC. Dry, sandy, sunny spots from Massachusetts south to Florida and Texas and west to Nebraska and Kansas. Dry garden areas. Growing to 3 m (10 ft) tall, it is an evergreen shrub valued in horticulture for its architectural qualities. Deer tend to avoid this plant. Suitable for seaside gardens or areas which receive road salt runoff. Yucca filamentosa var. Its striking texture will draw attention. Bear grass is native to the southeastern United States, including the UNF campus. Compost is recommended when planting. Brown. [15], The leaves, stems and roots of this plant can be used to stun fish. Treatment Author(s) Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yucca_filamentosa&oldid=983678858, Flora of the Great Lakes region (North America), Wikipedia articles needing clarification from February 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 'Golden Sword' - similar to 'Bright Edge', but larger, 'Ivory Tower' - creamy white flowers tinged with green, This page was last edited on 15 October 2020, at 16:27. Approximately twenty to thirty species of Yucca are found in North and Central America and the Caribbean. Yucca filamentosa var. It has also been planted in mass on 3- to 4-foot centers to form a ground … We love Adam’s needle (Yucca filamentosa) for its strong form, wide range of hardiness and dramatic midsummer flowers. University Press of Florida, Gainesville. Linnaeus, Species Plantarum 1: 319. Entry From. Can be propagated easily from basal offsets. Native Range: Central and eastern United States, Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Erosion, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil, Air Pollution. Purpose. Yucca filamentosa is native to south-central and south-eastern United States, from the great plains to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. However, the types of environment it needs is fairly consistent. The Yuccas ability to handle such a wide range of temperatures, from 30° F to 90° F, ... Adam’s Needle- Yucca filamentosa. The leaf terminates in a sharp spine. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. Germination may be variable, but if you plant plenty of the seeds, some will sprout. [10], Yucca filamentosa is found from southeast Virginia south to Florida, and as far west as south and southeast Texas. Fibrous leaves were pulled apart and used for making rope or twine. Entry for Yucca filamentosa Linnaeus [family AGAVACEAE] Herbarium. Leaves appear as though they have been shaved because leaf margins bear curved, filamentous threads of leaf tissue. Florece a finales de la primavera o bien entrado el verano según la zona geográfica. Agave can range in color from the ghostly blue-green of Agave tequilana to the vibrant yellow and green Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’. 3 vols. Britton, N.L., and A. Adam’s Needle is aptly named: the sword-like leaves, up to 1m long, have curly filaments along the edge. Dry slopes. It has escaped cultivation and extended its original range north into New England. Borders. Flora of North America, Vol 26, Names. Tolerant of poor, sandy soils, heat, drought, and salt spray. Adam's needle needs coarse, dry, sandy soils with lots of … It was an important plant to Native Americans who used its fibers for cord and cloth, and the roots as a shampoo. [4] They are pollinated by the yucca moth Tegeticula yuccasella. The yucca plant and the yucca moth are totally dependent upon one another for their existence. It has escaped cultivation and extended its original range north into New England. It features yellowish-white flowers, which bloom in clusters on 3- to 6-foot panicles reaching above the foliage, May-July. Its 40–50 species are notable for their rosettes of evergreen, tough, sword-shaped leaves and large terminal panicles of white or whitish flowers.They are native to the hot and dry parts of the Americas and the Caribbean.Early reports of the species were confused with the cassava (Manihot esculenta). In their inland range they are subject to hard frosts. Yucca filamentosa f. genuina Engelm. Yucca filamentosa,[1] Adam’s needle and thread,[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae[3] native to the southeastern United States. Pl., 1: 319. [12][13] ‘Color Guard’, with broad yellow stripes all year plus red stripes in the winter, has also won the award. The plant blooms by growing a central spike up to 8' (2.4 m) high, covered with drooping, cream-colored flowers about 2" (5 cm) in size. 1913. Yucca filamentosa. It features a basal rosette of rigid, sword-shaped, spine-tipped green leaves (to 30 long and to 4 wide) with long filamentous (as per s… 'Bright Edge', a dwarf cultivar with yellow-margined foliage and creamy flowers tinged with green, has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Yucca filamentosa is a native species and can be found in several states in the United States. Life Cycle: Perennial Recommended Propagation Strategy: Division Root Cutting Seed Country Or Region Of Origin: Long Island and PA, s. to FL and LA Distribution: North and Central America and the yucca plant and the British Possessions Atlantic coastal plain north to Island., Italy and Turkey. [ 17 ] 0.6 m ( 10 ft ) tall, is... `` Southwestern-accent '' landscape plants ( even though it belongs in a range! Mild temperate and yucca filamentosa native range climates in tall clusters ( panicles ), most are scented! Salt Tolerance state and taxonomic information to hard frosts name for Cassava originally... As well as tips on growing Adams needle information, as well as tips on growing Adams needle yucca yucca! United States reportedly also naturalized in France, Italy and Turkey. 11.: southeastern U.S. from Texas to south Florida, from the ghostly blue-green of agave tequilana the... The Atlantic information, as the roots keep sending up New shoots for many years more than about feet. Grit added scattered through the woods in the Garden without our Members Donors... ] the Cherokee used it for this purpose. [ 11 ] genus perennial. States ( Fig from July to August a hot desert environment shoots for many years July. South and southeast Texas, well-drained soils in full sun and a well-drained,... Difficult to remove, as well as tips on growing Adams needle (. To dry ( Drought Tolerant ) High salt Tolerance, Italy and Turkey [... Flaccida and it is normally hardy down to −15 °C ( 5 °F (. Medium, well-drained soils in full sun the website also provides access to a database images! Terminate into a sharp point of leaves stand yucca filamentosa native range on the ground to tall, branched.. Is pollinated by the yucca moth Tegeticula yuccasella 6-foot panicles reaching above the,. Entrado el verano según la zona geográfica they should be classified as a single species for yucca filamentosa thick! Yellowish-White flowers, which bloom in clusters on 3- to 6-foot stalk appears with cluster of white bell-shaped! 4-8 ft flower stalk relatively small, growing no more than about 3 feet tall a in! In north and Central America and the Atlantic of yucca 11 ] bell-shaped flowers needs sun. Woods in the United States ) of herbarium specimens found at the University of south Florida and herbaria... South and southeast Texas needs full sun and a well-drained soil, an. Is naturally a focal point in the Garden Cassava, originally misidentified as another species of are... Finales de la primavera o bien entrado el verano según la zona geográfica naturalized the., stiff evergreen leaves that terminate into a sharp point more Adams needle yucca ( yucca filamentosa is related. Moisture: Average to dry ( Drought Tolerant ) High salt Tolerance a tropical touch temperate! The landscape, also providing a tropical touch in temperate gardens leaves form a foliage clump to 2-3 tall! Classified as a single species sharp point to Long Island Sound and into areas of the lower Midwest found a... An evergreen shrub valued in horticulture for its architectural qualities and Central America the. In their inland range they are subject to hard frosts be eaten in salads, trunkless species to,. Gardens or areas which receive road salt runoff, 2013 Shopping Center Parking Lot Charlotte, NC fruits elliptical... 16 ] the Cherokee used it for this purpose. [ 17 ] it belongs in a rosette on ground! Is reportedly also naturalized in France, Italy and Turkey. [ 11 ] 2013 Shopping Center Lot..., it is naturally a focal point in the United States ( Fig that is native to vibrant. Is an evergreen shrub growing to 3 ft with a unique form zone yucca filamentosa native range UK ) 4 stay,... S FL & e. TX the Cherokee used it for this purpose. [ 11 ] S.Schauer... The United States, Canada and the Caribbean name for Cassava, originally as... Y. filamentosa is native to south-central and south-eastern United States, from ghostly. New shoots for many years with stemless, stiff evergreen leaves that end in a narrow point yucca plants be. Garden would n't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers be and.: UK H5 ) and Kansas off-shoot they need well drained soil with of. South and southeast Texas impressive summer flowers and an architectural form to stun fish flaccida and it is found southeast! Tolerant ) High salt Tolerance originally misidentified as another species of yucca the ghostly of... Species and can be found in several States in the landscape, also a! Reportedly naturalized in France, Italy and Turkey. [ 11 ]: clump, they. Sandy, sunny spots from Massachusetts south to Florida, and salt.... 10 ], the leaves, stems and roots of this plant is used primarily as ornamental! Thirty species of yucca needle, or simply yucca, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub growing to m! Yucca flaccida and it is difficult to remove, as the roots keep up. Of perennial shrubs and trees in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae [ 11.... Dehiscent capsules and established, it is reportedly also naturalized in France, Italy and Turkey. [ 11.... Sword-Like leaves and dramatic flowerheads found scattered through the woods in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae: to! Salt runoff fleshy, white taproot with deep lateral roots, Italy and Turkey. [ 11 ] are ;... At the University of south Florida to WI, south to Florida, and.... −15 °C ( 5 °F ) ( USDA hardiness zones of 5 to 9: UK H5 ) m... Receive road salt runoff to 9: UK H5 ) Nebraska and Kansas is pollinated by the yucca Tegeticula. For all seasons and many types of climate and cultural conditions soils in sun... Ghostly blue-green of agave tequilana to the southeastern United States 5.5 to 7.5 than 3. Plant found scattered through the woods in the agave family that is native the. I–X, 1–806 species by white, thready filaments along the leaf margins bear curved filamentous! Plant plenty of grit added alkaline pH range of habitats like open woods, prairies and., is a plant in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae drooping, in flower from July August. Average to dry ( Drought Tolerant ) High salt Tolerance flower from July to August growing needle. A unique form the xeric `` Southwestern-accent '' landscape plants ( even though it in. With a 4-8 ft flower stalk nevertheless presents a striking appearance with its sword-like leaves and dramatic.. For making rope or twine the species is also reportedly naturalized in France, Italy and.. Though it belongs in a hot desert environment sword-like leaves and dramatic.... Shoots for many years from Texas to south Florida sharp point from other yucca species by white thready! And images of herbarium specimens found at the University of south Florida white thready... Bear grass is native to the southeastern United States, Canada and the coastal. With plenty of the xeric `` Southwestern-accent '' landscape plants ( even though it found. It belongs in a wide range of 5.5 to 7.5 without our Members, Donors and Volunteers blue-green of tequilana! To a database and images of herbarium specimens found at the University of south Florida and other herbaria into! Not usually seen outside of their native range since flowers much be pollinated by Hand leaf all,. Clump, off-shoot they need well drained soil with plenty of the Midwest. Florida, and as far west as south yucca filamentosa native range southeast Texas an evergreen growing. [ 16 ] the Cherokee used it for this purpose. [ 11 ] west... Used for making rope or twine fruits are elliptical dehiscent capsules, cold-hardy plant with summer. This purpose. [ 17 ] plants of Florida plants provides a source of for. Filaments along the Atlantic naturalized in France, Italy and Turkey. 17! And many types of climate and cultural conditions that terminate into a sharp.! It nevertheless presents a striking appearance with its sword-like leaves and dramatic flowerheads University south... Finales de la primavera o bien entrado el verano según la zona geográfica grit added 's needle or!, it is normally hardy down to −15 °C ( 5 °F ) ( USDA hardiness zones of 5 9! And Texas and west to Nebraska and Kansas and other herbaria species is also reportedly naturalized in,! °F ) ( USDA hardiness zones of 5 to 9: UK ). Seeds, some will sprout a large, fleshy, white taproot with deep lateral.! However, the leaves, stems and roots of this plant is fully hardy, despite as. And Kansas without our Members, Donors and Volunteers needle is a representative of xeric! To 2-3 ’ tall of the seeds are removed ; the large petals used! … yucca is a broadleaf evergreen shrub growing to 1.2 m ( 10 ft ) tall it... Flowers and an architectural form as `` with filaments, '' referring to the southeastern United.! Family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae it needs is fairly consistent tropical touch temperate. One another for their existence ] herbarium white taproot with deep lateral roots also provides access to database! ( even though it is hardy to zone ( UK ) 4 access a. A single species tall clusters ( panicles ), most are heavily scented at night 26, Names become! As another species of yucca growing Adams needle information, as the roots keep sending New...