This time of year one can see along roadsides, in and on both public and private lands, a beautiful wildflower, commonly called Yucca, Adam's Needles, or Spanish Bayonet. It is Yucca filamentosa L. and every single part of the plant is said to be useful.

Long, green sword-like leaves 12-32" in length, 1-3.5" wide, comprise most of the green portion, while the flower stalk arises centrally, erupting in a tall and beautiful display of large white blossoms having plenty roomy for a bumblebee. The plant may reach 4-5' in height.

One of the many uses of this beauty is food, one of which involves the blossoms which can be coated in egg, then flour, or in batter, and then sauteed or deep-fried if you're feeling brave. A batter recipe of flour, baking powder, salt, milk, egg, and corn oil is listed in WILD EDIBLES OF MISSOURI (Jan Phillips) (p. 2); another way to coat each blossom before cooking is to dip in beaten egg, then in corn meal or flour. Finally they are sauteed or fried until slightly crisp on each side. Blossoms can also be tossed into salads for color, flavor and nutrition.

If you decide to harvest a few for a meal, first carefully check each for insects, as they enjoy the blossoms as well.
A series of pictures accompanies this: a distant shot, a blossom closeup, blossoms cooking in skillet, and finally the finished product ready to be savored. Enjoy.