Yucca filamentosa — Adam's Needle | Native Tennessee Perennial, Live Plant

Adam's Needle (Yucca filamentosa) is a striking, architectural native perennial grown from wild-type Middle Tennessee stock. Rosettes of stiff, sword-like blue-green leaves edged with curling white fibers form dense, low clumps, from which a dramatic flowering stalk rises in early summer, bearing masses of nodding, cream-white bell-shaped blooms.

This species has one of the most specialized pollination relationships in the native plant world: it depends entirely on the yucca moth (Tegeticula yuccasella) for pollination, and in turn, the yucca moth relies exclusively on Yucca filamentosa as a nursery site for her larvae — neither species can complete its life cycle without the other. It's a textbook example of obligate mutualism, and a genuine conversation piece for anyone interested in the deeper ecological relationships behind a garden.

Adam's Needle thrives on neglect once established, tolerating poor, sandy, dry soils where showier perennials often fail. Its bold, sculptural form makes it a natural focal point in native plantings, rock gardens, or xeriscaped beds.

Growing conditions:

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Water: Drought-tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged sites
• Soil: Well-drained, tolerant of poor, sandy, and rocky soils
• Note: Leaf tips are stiff and pointed — site away from high-traffic walkways

Size: Ships bare root and ready to transplant.

Shipping: Orders ship out UPS every Monday.