Adam’s needle, or Yucca filamentosa, is a native agave plant that is in bloom all over the county at this time of year. Usually pretty easy to overlook, it shoots up a long stock with amazing, white bell-like flowers. They can be seen in undeveloped areas.
The leaves grow no taller than 1-3 feet, but the flower spikes shoots up 6-15 feet. The leaves appear as if they’ve been shaved, due to the curved, filamentous threads of leaf tissue on the margins.
They like sunny areas, but will tolerate light shade as long as there is good air flow. They like almost any kind of soil, and is drought and salt tolerant.
Check out native nurseries in central Florida if you are interested in incorporating Adam’s needle into your landscape.
The leaves are spikey (hence its common name) so plant them in an area where humans and pets won’t be bumping into them.
As you travel the county, keep a look out for these white jingle bells, as I like to call them. Enjoy!