Adam's needle (yucca) Yucca filamentosa
Adam's needle (yucca) (Yucca filamentosa) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asparagaceae family, native to South-eastern United States (sandy coastal plain). It grows 60 cm–1.8 m (24 in–5.9 ft) tall and 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 90 cm (35 in) apart.
Plan Adam's needle (yucca) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Adam's needle (yucca) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.8 m (24 in–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 90 cm (35 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South-eastern United States (sandy coastal plain) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Adam's needle (yucca) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves, roots
Steroidal saponins cause vomiting, drooling and diarrhoea in pets; sap can irritate skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Adam's needle (yucca)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Adam's needle (yucca) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (4 plants)
- Desert Botanical Garden (8 plants)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (16 plants)
Questions about Adam's needle (yucca)
- How far apart should I plant Adam's needle (yucca)?
- About 90 cm (35 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Adam's needle (yucca) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Adam's needle (yucca) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Adam's needle (yucca)?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Adam's needle (yucca) flower?
- From about June for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Adam's needle (yucca) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Steroidal saponins cause vomiting, drooling and diarrhoea in pets; sap can irritate skin.
- What grows well with Adam's needle (yucca)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Adam's needle (yucca). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Needs well-drained soil; the flower stalk (to about 2 m) is pollinated only by the yucca moth. Leaf tips are sharp.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana