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Yucca glauca
Adam's Needle
Plant Type:
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBSYucca glauca – Some years ago I wrote an article for the Connecticut Cactus and Succulent Society and discussed this marvelous Adam’s Needle; this says it all: "Yucca glauca is a four season wonder. In 7 years the multitudes of long narrow gray green leaves, 24” to 30” but only .33” to .5” inch wide, edged strongly in silver-white extend from a thick central trunk. The form of the plant, looking like a giant sea urchin, is an upright dome about 3’ across and nearly as tall with the leaves tightly, almost predictably spaced, evenly within the hemispherical outline. Adam’s Needle, referring to the sharp point at the end of each blade, just gets better and better in time. Though its fragrant 2.5” inch purple-tinged greenish white rounded flowers on spikes up to 12’ tall have yet to debut its remarkable evergreen form has added such a strong interest in all seasons that I would be happy with it as just a foliage plant. Most of us are familiar with Yucca filamentosa and look down our noses at it with the attitude that it is “too common”. But Y. glauca raises the bar – it is so beautifully structured and refined. I cannot understand why it is not more used by gardeners in the east as it is hardy to USDA zone 4. It is a great contrast to the larger growing Opuntia phaeacantha color forms and is striking set among boulders. In time Yucca glauca raises its exceptional architectural foliage upon a slowly rising trunk as if on a slow motion lift. We've observed downy woodpeckers, arrays of goldfinches and common yellowthroats picking and pecking on the main flower stalks, flowers and pedicels picking at... well, as the structures tower over our heads we're not sure! As for the woodpeckers the tall stalk may be merely an attractive, convenient perch." Adam's needle has since flowered here on several occasions; it is striking, dramatic and oh so very tall! Site Adam’s Needle in full blazing sun planted in well-drained soil to which lime has been added. Seed grown.
Characteristics and Attributes for Yucca glauca
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Summer
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Four Seasons
Nature Attraction
- Deer Resistant
Light
- Full Sun
Attributes
- Bank
- Drought Tolerant
- Specimen
- Foundation
- Rock Garden
- Labyrinth
- Accent
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Slow
Soil
- Scrabbled
- Average
- Sandy
- Draining
- Calcareous
Origins
- Western U.S.
Propagated By
- By Seed / Potted