Adam's Needle, also known as Beargrass, is considered a flowering shrub that appears similar to species in the Agave genus. It is native to FL and many other states in the southeast. It is believed to possibly be native up the east coast as far as Maryland. 
 
The common name Beargrass comes from some confusion with other plants along with an association to the observation of bears eating the fleshy bases of this plant in spring. Members of the Lewis and Clark expedition often referred to all yucca species as Beargrass.  
 
It is a perennial that blooms in early summer. Flower stalks can reach up to around 10 feet tall and are filled with white showy flowers. Foliage typically does not get much taller than 3-4 feet and the leaves end in sharp points. 
 
Adam's Needle is also an edible plant for your food forest or edible landscape. The flowers have a mildly bitter taste that some people compare to artichokes leaves. Some people report some stomach irritation after eating the raw flowers, so it is best to try one petal before eating more. Boiling the flowers for 10 minutes can remove some of the bitterness and reduce the chance of upset stomach.
Fruits that follow the flowers are also edible and best eaten when fully ripe. The flavor is compared to figs or molasses. Fruits are also more bitter raw but cooked and sweetened are more desirable. Seeds should be removed. 
The roots are not commonly eaten and are described as being bland, starchy, with a texture like a potato. 
 
There are other uses for this plant outside of the kitchen. The flower stalks, when dried, are said to be great fire starter material. The leaves can be shred into long fibers that make great cordage. Leaves and and roots can be rubbed in water for use as soap. 
 
Adam's Needle is also a butterfly host plant for the cofaqui giant skipper (Megathymus cofaqui) and yucca giant skipper (Megathymus yuccae) butterflies. Many pollinators are attracted to the showy white flowers. 
 
Native to Florida and many other states although it can be confused with other species.
Natural range across most of FL excluding the southernmost counties.
Likes full sun to part sun
Prefers well drained soils ranging from somewhat moist while tolerating droughts. 
Foliage grows to 3-4' tall and 3-4' wide and flower stalks up to 8' tall 
Can be grown in zones 8-10
 
Size: 1 gal
 
Shipping materials are recycled. Please feel free to compost our shredded paper we use for cushioning. The package and loose-fill packing may have been reused. Feel free to reuse again, use as mulch, compost, or recycle.
 
Plants are only shipped on Mondays and Tuesdays. This is to avoid plants sitting at a post office or warehouse over a weekend and reducing shipping stress on plants. Plants arrive healthier and quicker when you select faster shipping such as priority shipping. Plants ship from Florida. Keep that in mind when deciding to buy and selecting shipping options.
 
Seed packets ship any day of the week and are commonly shipped in envelopes paid by stamp. There will be no tracking information for seed packets shipped in this way. Customers will be notified when seed packets are sent. 
 
No refunds, exchanges, or returns. By purchasing this plant, you are accepting the risk of having plants mailed to you. We package plants very carefully. We can not be responsible for how the carrier handles them or transient through different tempratures. Our most common carriers are UPS and USPS. Any damaged packages, damaged plants, dead plants or irregular shipping patterns should be claimed through the UPS or USPS insurance claims system. All orders come with a standard insurance of up to $100.00. You will need to provide the following for an insurance claim:
Receipt of your order that you can obtain through your order history or email.
Pictures of the package upon arrival
Pictures of the contents upon arrival
If you need any help filing a claim, please reach out to us. 
 
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