Overview

Adam's needle (Yucca filamentosa) is a Florida-native evergreen with blue-green rosettes, curling white threads along the leaf margins, and tall early-summer clusters of creamy bell-shaped flowers.

Mature Size and Habit

The foliage forms a slow-growing basal clump about 2–4 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide. Mature rosettes send up a branched flower panicle 5–8 feet high or more.

Best Landscape Uses

Use it as an accent, low barrier, foundation specimen, rock-garden feature, native mass, or sunny dry-border plant. It provides year-round structure without a tall trunk.

Sunlight

Full sun gives the best form and flowering. Partial sun is acceptable with good air circulation; dense shade weakens the rosette.

Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation

Provide fast-draining sand, loam, or rocky soil. Water while roots establish, then let soil dry between irrigation. Established plants tolerate heat, drought, poor soil, and moderate salt spray.

Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida

Plant year-round in Tampa, preferably fall through spring. Set the crown at grade and space plants 3–5 feet apart.

Pruning and Maintenance

Cut spent flower stalks near the base and remove only dead leaves. Divide offsets when clumps outgrow their space. Wear gloves and eye protection; never shear the rosette.

Wildlife Value

Flowers support hummingbirds, moths, and other pollinators. Yucca moths pollinate the plant, which also hosts yucca and cofaqui giant-skipper larvae.

Cold and Heat Sensitivity

This species tolerates Tampa heat and Central Florida winters. Excess moisture is a greater threat than cold, so avoid low spots that stay wet after rain.

Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings

Each leaf ends in a sharp spine. Keep clumps 3–4 feet from walks, patios, doors, play areas, and work routes. Roots are not destructive, but offsets expand the colony. Yucca saponins can harm dogs, cats, and horses; keep trimmings away from animals.

Invasive Concerns

UF/IFAS identifies Adam's needle as native to Florida and not known to be invasive. It spreads gradually by offsets; remove unwanted shoots where a fixed edge is required.

Helpful Resources

Review the UF/IFAS Adam's Needle guide and the Florida Native Plant Society profile for identification, culture, wildlife value, and range.