Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

The following notes do not apply to Y. flaccida specifically but to the genus as a whole: Although considered poisonous, the Navajo would apply a poultice of the plant to the head to aid sore throats.
Moerman, Daniel E. (2009) Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p.608

Nomenclature

Family changed from Agavaceae to Asparagaceae.
Plants of the World online, Kew Science http://plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:543694-1 link

Toxicity

The saponins all yuccas contain may lead to abdominal disturbance if eaten raw. They are removed by cooking. Said to be very toxic to dogs.
Professor Anthony Dayan, 2022

Geographical distribution

  • Northern America, Eastern Canada
  • Northern America, North-Central U.S.A.
  • Northern America, Northeastern U.S.A.
  • Northern America, South-Central U.S.A.
  • Northern America, Southeastern U.S.A.

Yucca flaccida Haw.

Family: ASPARAGACEAE
Genus: Yucca
Species: flaccida Haw.
Common names: Adam's-needle; Flaccid-leaf Yucca
Distribution summary: Northern America
Habit: Succulent
Hardiness: H4 - Hardy; average winter
Habitat: Rocky slopes
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: North America (A)
Flowering months: July
Reason for growing: Medicinal, toxic


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