Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’
Color Guard Adam’s Needle Yucca

• Although yucca is associated with the Southwest, Adam’s Needle is native to dry infertile areas of the eastern U.S.

• It has a unique, spiky shape and large, dramatic white flowers in summer.

• Individual plants grow to a mature size of 3 ft tall and wide and slowly spread through seed and rhizomes.

• Color Guard is a variegated variety with yellow striped leaves. Deer resistant and drought tolerant.

• Flowers are edible and have a peppery flavor.

• Fruits can be roasted or dried and are sweet and fig-like.

• The strong, fibrous leaves were traditionally used for weaving nets and baskets.

• Roots contain the compound saponin and can be boiled and pounded into soap. 

• Horticulturist’s Notes: Yucca has a special relationship with the Yucca Moth, who lays its eggs in pollinated flowers so that the caterpillars can eat developing yucca seeds.