Adam's needleThe Classic Low Water Yucca That Thrives Anywhere in Phoenix Adam's Needle (Yucca filamentosa) is one of the toughest, most versatile ornamental yuccas you can add to a Phoenix Valley landscape. This compact, stemless yucca forms a striking rosette of rigid, sword shaped leaves edged with distinctive curly white filaments then sends up a dramatic 46 foot flower stalk loaded with fragrant, creamy white bell shaped blooms in late spring. It stays a

A hard freeze below about 20 F can cause dieback

where root rot is the main risk

Survives entirely on rainfall in Phoenix after year 2

forming attractive clusters over time

as this disrupts the natural symmetry

How to Plant Crested Microdasys

Native to the mountains and deserts of Mexico

Summer (May to Sep): Loves intense full sun and reflected heat off walls and pavers

Warm soil and cool air establish roots fast before winter

allow 8 to 10 feet of clearance so the thorny canopy can fill out

Spacing — 4 feet apart for grouped plantings

Root rot from standing water is the primary killer