Yucca filamentosa is a striking architectural perennial known for its sword like evergreen foliage and tall flowering stalks. This North American native thrives in poor dry soils and delivers vertical interest with dramatic panicles of creamy white bell shaped flowers in early to mid summer. Its fibrous leaves give rise to threadlike filaments earning it the common name Adam’s Needle. Adaptable and low maintenance it serves as an anchor plant in xeriscapes, rock gardens, or coastal designs.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Early to mid summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Sandy, well drained soil; tolerant of poor fertility
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Highly resistant due to tough foliage and saponin content
Native Status
Yucca filamentosa is native to the southeastern United States and is widely cultivated for its ornamental structure and drought tolerance.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Flowers provide nectar for native bees, including long tongued species and carpenter bees.
Moths
- Supports the Yucca Moth (Tegeticula spp.), the plant’s exclusive pollinator, in a mutualistic relationship critical to reproduction.
Birds
- Dry stalks and seed pods provide perching and seed for small birds such as sparrows in fall and winter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Allow 24 - 36 in between plants to accommodate wide basal rosettes and avoid overcrowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for xeric landscapes, gravel gardens, and architectural borders where its bold texture stands out year round.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Fine textured blue green grass with copper fall hues softens yucca’s bold presence.
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' - Aromatic mounds of silvery foliage and purple flowers pair well with yucca’s structure.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Bright yellow flowers contrast nicely with yucca’s sword like leaves and summer blooms.
- Salvia azurea (Blue Sage) - Adds sky blue vertical spikes that echo yucca’s upright bloom stalks and thrive in dry soils.
- Echinacea pallida - Pale pink reflexed petals and tall cones bring wild texture and movement beside the spiky yucca.