Adam's Needle

Yucca flaccida (YUK-ah FLA-sih-dah)

Family: Asparagaceae Native Shrub

This evergreen shrub in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) that is native to portions of eastern North America (including NC) produces rosettes of spear-shaped leaves from stems that are typically emerging from under the soil surface. The species epithet is Latin for "flaccid." Grows best in poor, dry, sandy loam or rocky soil, but will adapt to other soils. Its natural habitat includes prairies, light woodlands, and the edges of forests. Although the flowers might attract bees, hummingbirds, and other visitors, they are pollinated by white yucca moths, which have a symbiotic relationship with the plant. The female moth feeds on the nectar, rolls pollen from the flowers into a ball 3 times the size of her head, then transfers the pollen to the stigma. She oviposits in the ovary of the flower. The larvae feed on some of the seeds leaving leaving other seeds viable. This shrub forms suckers that can form small colonies. The fruit, flowers, and stem from this plant are each edible, both raw or cooked. The stem can be eaten like asparagus. The flower is edible raw or can be dried, crushed, and used as a flavoring. The roots contain saponins, which are poisonous. Saponins have a bitter taste and are not absorbed by the human body, so most will pass without causing harm. They are removed from the roots by leaching in running water. This will remove the majority of the saponins. Saponins create soapy foam in water and defend the plant against fungi. Fiber from the leaves can be used for producing baskets, ropes, or mats. Quick ID Hints Basal rosette of sharply pointed, stiff or flaccid, linear leaves with flat margins. Curly, thread-like filaments, usually less than 1.5 inches long, along leaf margins Erect panicles of nodding, cream-colored flowers borne on more-or-less ascending, pubescent branches. Fruits are erect, cylindrical capsules without any constriction in the center. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Does not grow well in locations with moist climates.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 66 attributes.