Adam's Needle (Yucca smalliana)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −6.7 °C
Cultivation
Thrives in any soil but prefers a sandy loam and full exposure to the south. Not very hardy outdoors in Britain, though it should succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country. This species was formerly included in Y. filamentosa and at least some of the plants grown under that name should belong here. In the plants native environment, its flowers can only be pollinated by a certain species of moth. This moth cannot live in Britain and, if fruit and seed is required, hand pollination is necessary. This can be quite easily and successfully done using something like a small paint brush. Individual crowns are monocarpic, dying after flowering. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Pre-soaking the seed for 24 hours in warm water may reduce the germination time. It usually germinates within 1 - 12 months if kept at a temperature of 20°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first two winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and consider giving them some winter protection for at least their first winter outdoors - a simple pane of glass is usually sufficient[K]. Seed is not produced in Britain unless the flowers are hand pollinated. Root cuttings in late winter or early spring. Lift in April/May and remove small buds from base of stem and rhizomes. Dip in dry wood ashes to stop any bleeding and plant in a sandy soil in pots in a greenhouse until established. Division in late spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the following spring.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. Flowers - raw or cooked. They are delicious raw, and can also be dried, crushed and used as a flavouring. Flowering stem - cooked and used like asparagus.
Material uses
A fibre obtained from the leaves is used for making ropes, baskets and mats[82. 169]. The roots are rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute.
Habitat
Sands, old fields and bluffs.
Native range
Southern N. America - S. California to Florida.