View Larger Adam's Needle

Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    5 5 6 6b 7 7b 8 8b 9 9b 10 10b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 5 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

    This unique plant looks more suited to a desert climate, but it is found wild up and down the east coast. Its strappy leaves are crowned by huge spikes of creamy white flowers every other year.

    Latin Name

    Yucca filamentosa


    Family

    Asparagaceae


    Also Known As

    Common Yucca , Spanish Bayonet , Needle Palm


    Type of Plant

    Perennials Perennials

    Bloom Season

    June - July


    Seasons

    Summer Summer

    Specifications

    Max height Max Height: 8'
    Max spread Max Spread: 3'

    Uses

  • Flower Border
  • Naturalize

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Tolerances

  • Air Pollution
  • Deer
  • Drought
  • Dry Soil
  • Erosion
  • Rabbit

  • Attracted Wildlife

    Butterflies Butterflies

    Colors


    Native Range

    Southeastern United States


    History

    This Virginia native was grown by a wide variety of historical figures including John Custis, Lady Jean Skipwith, and Thomas Jefferson.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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