ADAMS NEEDLE - YUCCA FILAMENTOSA

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ADAMS NEEDLE - YUCCA FILAMENTOSA

perfect as house plant, hardy to zone 5

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Adam's needle looks a little like a small palm, but is actually more closely related to the lilies. The evergreen leaves of Adam's needle are straplike, about 1 in wide and up to 2-3 ft long. The leaves are basal that is, they all originate from one point, taking the form of a rosette. The margins of the leaves are decorated with long curly threads or "filaments" that peel back as the leaf grows, eventually dropping off on older leaves. The inflorescence is very showy and borne on an erect spike up to 12 ft high (taller in warm climates, shorter where winters are cold). There are up to several dozen individual flowers on an inflorescence, they are white and about 2 in long. The plant dies after flowering and fruiting, but produces lateral buds that start new plants around the edges of the original.

Adam's needle is native to southeastern North America from North Carolina to Florida and west to Tennessee and Mississippi. It grows in dry, sandy or rocky habitats and in fields, road shoulders and open woods. It has become naturalized far outside its original range.

Prefers full sun, but will tolerate some light shade. Thrifts in average to dry soil and is very drought tolerant

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-10

Sowing instructions

Sow in spring. Pre-soaking the seed for 24 hours in warm water may reduce the germination time. It usually germinates within 1 - 12 months if kept at a temperature of 80°F. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first two winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and consider giving them some winter protection for at least their first winter outdoors.