Yucca filamentosa is one of those native plants that doesn’t seem like it should belong anywhere but arid, desert environments, but alas! Yucca filamentosa, known commonly as Adam’s Needle, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that truly thrives in full sun and sandy or rocky soils, and can be used happily in coastal plantings. In fact, it can be used virtually anywhere with excellent drainage. The rigidly upright, blue-green leaves resembling swords and visually seeming nearly as sharp have curly filaments that give this plant its specific epithet, and imbue this evergreen shrub an otherworldly appearance. Perfect for adding an exotic touch to waterwise gardens, Adam’s Needle not only makes a lovely ornamental foliar feature to drought-prone landscapes, but can be used for its flowering properties as well: in midsummer from June to July, a sharply upright spike of bell-shaped white flowers erupts from the center of the rosette, persisting for several weeks as an element of surprise. The summertime blooms are actually edible, reportedly having a taste similar to bitter artichoke, and can be used in both raw and cooked forms. A dramatic addition to the dry border, urban garden, or eclectic container planting, Yucca filamentosa remains pest and disease free and unbothered by deer or rabbits, making it unrivaled as a long-lasting and tough native selection. 

• Category: Woody Ornamentals
• Hardiness Zone: 5
• Height: 4 Feet
• Spread: 2 Feet
• Bloom Color: White