The results of DNA studies by K. H. Clary (1997) are incongruent with our treatment of Yucca flaccida, which warrants further research. It is the only dry-fruited species that groups with the fleshy-fruited ones in Clary’s consensus tree, where Y. flaccida and Y. filamentosa are quite distant. DNA variation indicates that Y. louisianensis is genetically distinct and more closely related to Y. filamentosa than to Y. flaccida.
Yucca flaccida, commonly called Adam's needle[4] or weak-leaf yucca,[5] is a species of flowering plant in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). It is native to south-central and southeastern North America, from the lower Great Plains eastward to the Atlantic seaboard in Virginia, south through Florida and the Gulf states.[6] Its natural habitat is in sandy open woodlands and fields.[4] It is not considered to be threatened by the IUCN.[1]
It is a stemless evergreen shrub growing to 55 cm (22 in) tall by 150 cm (59 in) broad. It has a basal rosette of sharply pointed, swordlike leaves up to 55 cm (22 in) long. In summer, 150 cm (59 in) long panicles of bell-shaped creamy white flowers are held above the foliage.[7]
The Latin specific epithet flaccida means "weak", "feeble", referring to the leaves which often fold under their own weight (the inner leaves may remain erect as they are supported by the outer ones).[8]
Some authorities regard Y. flaccida as a variety or form of Y. filamentosa, rather than as a separate species.[4]
Populations in the South Central Region of the United States with unusually narrow leaves have been segregated as Y. louisianensis by some authorities.[9][10] This entity is found in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.[11]
A number of yucca moths lay their eggs upon Y. flaccida as a host plant, an example being Tegeticula intermedia.[12]
It is cultivated and valued as an architectural plant.[7] Numerous cultivars are available, some with variegated leaves, of which 'Golden Sword'[13] and 'Ivory'[14] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[15]
![Yucca flaccida can be identified by its pubescent inflorescence branches[9]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yucca_flaccida_Alabama.jpg)
Yucca flaccida can be identified by its pubescent inflorescence branches[9]
Western populations have unusually narrow leaves, and are sometimes treated as a separate species called Y. louisianensis
Yucca flaccida, commonly called Adam's needle or weak-leaf yucca, is a species of flowering plant in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). It is native to south-central and southeastern North America, from the lower Great Plains eastward to the Atlantic seaboard in Virginia, south through Florida and the Gulf states. Its natural habitat is in sandy open woodlands and fields. It is not considered to be threatened by the IUCN.
