Characteristics
Monocots
Yucca filamentosa L.
ADAM'S NEEDLE
**
Yucca flaccida has been recognized as a distinct species but there is some uncertainty on how it is characterized. Hess & Robbins (in FNA, vol. 26) characterized Y. flaccida by its "mostly pubescent" inflorescence with tepals 3-5 cm long while Ward's (2006) proposed neotype of Y. flaccida was described as having a glabrous inflorescence. Ward (2011) did not comment on inflorescence pubescence but characterized Y. flaccida by its spreading inflorescence branches, leaves not concave, short and stiff leaf-margin fibers (to 4 cm), and other floral differences. An oddly close relationship between Y. aloifolia and Y. flaccida based on plastid DNA restriction sites (see Clary & Simpson 1995) has not been reinvestigated.
Native
**
Classification
ASPARAGALES
Yucca filamentosa L. - ADAM'S NEEDLE
Citation
YUCCA FILAMENTOSA Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 319. 1753.
**
VIRGINIA: Without data, Clayton 720 (lectotype: BM). Lectotypified by Fernald, Rhodora 46: 8. 1944.
Species Distribution Map

Based on vouchered plant specimens from wild populations. Cultivated occurrences are not mapped. Click on a county to display its name.

Source
Synonyms
Specimens and Distribution

Click on an Accession Number to view additional details about the specimen.

Counties listed:

Range of years during which specimens were collected: