Yuccas are belong to Asparagaceae family. They can be evergreen perennials, shrubs or trees, with dense or loose rosettes of stiff, sword-shaped leaves and tall panicles of bell-shaped flowers.

Adam’s Needle (also commonly called Spanish bayonet or Needle Palm) is a small, stemless, evergreen shrub forming clumps of sword-shaped, deep green leaves to 75cm in length, edged with curly filaments. Yucca filamentosa is native to the southeastern United States as far west as Louisiana and as far north as Virginia south to Florida and Mississippi. Because of its cold hardiness and adaptability, make it popular around the world. Each summer it produces a tall flower stalk up to 200 cm, covered in creamy white blossoms 6 cm in length are borne in panicles. The sword-like leaves produce white threads along the edges, thus the specific name.

It should be planted in full sun, as the Adam’s Needle will not bloom in shady conditions. It works great in rock gardens and island beds since the pointed foliage isn’t conducive to high traffic areas. Reliably hardy to -40°C as long as boggy conditions are avoided. It is happiest in well-drained soil with normal moisture, but adapts to a wide range of soils and conditions. Tolerant of poor, sandy soils and drought. Also shows surprising tolerance for some part shade.

The leaves of Yucca filamentosa are long, narrow, and strap-like.  Leaves are spine tipped with numerous long, curly, fibrous threads peeling back along the margins.  Fibers of this species can be used to make rope, rough textiles, and paint brushes. The thickened root, a rhizome, can be beaten into a lathery pulp which can be used for soap and shampoo.

Flowers have six white tepals and male and female reproductive organs, but cross pollination is required for fruit production. If flowers are pollinated, seed-filled capsules develop. Adam’s Needle dies after flowering and fruiting, but produces offshoots that develop into new plants at the base of the mother plant.

Use in Landscapes: Yucca filamentosa used in borders, dry garden areas, specially dry slopes, and rock gardens. Adds architectural value to the planted areas. Interest in yuccas for the home garden has been somewhat tempered in recent years by a proliferation of commercial plantings in such areas as parking shopping centers and restaurants.