Common Yucca
Yucca filamentosa
Also known as Adam's Needle, Adam's Needle-and-thread, Spanish Bayonet
Climate Match for your location
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A striking evergreen perennial with narrow, blue-green leaves edged in white threads, forming dense rosettes that send up tall spikes of fragrant white bell-shaped flowers in early summer. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
Why grow it
Yucca filamentosa outperforms many ornamental perennials in drought tolerance and longevity once established, requiring minimal irrigation or fertilizer in most climates. Its architectural form and reliable flowering make it a practical choice for xeriscape design and low-input landscapes where more fussy perennials would struggle. Compared to other Yucca species, it tolerates colder winters and grows reliably in the mid-Atlantic and upper South regions.
Watch out for
Yucca filamentosa prefers well-draining soil and full sun, so it may struggle in heavy clay or consistently wet conditions. The sharp leaf tips and margins require careful placement away from high-traffic areas and pathways where they could pose a hazard. Space plants adequately to allow air circulation and reduce disease pressure, particularly in humid regions where fungal issues may develop.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A striking evergreen perennial with narrow, blue-green leaves edged in white threads, forming dense rosettes that send up tall spikes of fragrant white bell-shaped flowers in early summer. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Yucca grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Yucca filamentosa outperforms many ornamental perennials in drought tolerance and longevity once established, requiring minimal irrigation or fertilizer in most climates. Its architectural form and reliable flowering make it a practical choice for xeriscape design and low-input landscapes where more fussy perennials would struggle. Compared to other Yucca species, it tolerates colder winters and grows reliably in the mid-Atlantic and upper South regions.
Watch out for
Yucca filamentosa prefers well-draining soil and full sun, so it may struggle in heavy clay or consistently wet conditions. The sharp leaf tips and margins require careful placement away from high-traffic areas and pathways where they could pose a hazard. Space plants adequately to allow air circulation and reduce disease pressure, particularly in humid regions where fungal issues may develop.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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