Plant · GBIF taxon 2775561
common yucca
Yucca filamentosaAlso known as Adam's Needle and Thread, Adam's Needle, Spoonleaf Yucca, Needle Palm
Common yucca forms dense rosettes of stiff, sword-like evergreen leaves edged with delicate white threads that peel along the margins. In late spring and summer, a massive flower stalk shoots up from the center, displaying dozens of nodding, creamy-white bell-shaped blossoms. This plant relies entirely on specialized yucca moths for pollination, forming one of nature's most famous mutualistic partnerships.
EvergreenFloweringDrought Tolerant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Yucca Moth Caterpillars
- White-Tailed Deer
- Rabbits
ThreatsHabitat conversion, invasive plants, root rot from overwatering
HabitatsCoastal dunes, sandy woods, pine flatwoods, rocky fields
Life span20–50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAsparagales
- FamilyAsparagaceae
- GenusYucca
- SpeciesYucca filamentosa
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Foliage and roots contain saponins that are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; keep pets away.
- Why it is dangerous
- Saponins in leaves and roots cause digestive distress in domestic pets, while needle-sharp leaf tips easily puncture skin.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for basal rosettes of rigid, evergreen sword leaves edged with thread-like fibers.
- What to do
- Maintain clearance from walkways and wear thick gloves when pruning or clearing dead leaves.
Responsible observation
- Pruning: Wear heavy leather gloves and eye protection when working near the needle-sharp leaf tips.
- Planting: Position in full sun and fast-draining sandy or gravelly soil to prevent root rot.
- Observation: Look closely at the leaf edges to spot the signature white peeling filaments.
Pollinator no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative (c) Cody Stricker, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cody Stricker · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Distant Relative "Closeup of Century Plant (Agave)" by Coconino NF Photography is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
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