"It better benefit a man to know one herb in the meadow, but to know it thoroughly, than to see the whole meadow without knowing what grows on it" Paracelses.
By Charlie McDonald
Soapweed yucca is one of about 40 yucca species, all of which are native to the New World. It grows in dry rocky soils throughout the Great Plains and is most abundant in short grass prairies and desert grasslands. These plants have a long history of beneficial use. As the name implies, the crushed roots of soapweed yucca produce a lather that makes a good soap or shampoo. The lathering substances called saponins are found in many plants, but are exceptionally concentrated in yucca roots. The dried leaves of soapweed yucca can be woven into baskets, mats, or sandals. The strong coarse leaf fibers can be extracted to make cordage.
Roots labeled “yucca root” are often sold in grocery stores. These roots are actually cassava or manioc (Manihot esculanta). This woody shrub has a starchy tuberous root that is a staple food in the tropical regions where it grows. The roots of true yuccas are generally too fibrous and too full of toxic saponins to be used as food.
Yuccas and yucca moths are the classic example of a plant and animal obligate symbiotic relationship where each organism requires the other to survive. Yucca moths are the only insects that can successfully pollinate yucca flowers and the developing yucca fruits are the only larval food source for yucca moths.
Origin: US Native Wildflower
Other Common Names: Soapwell, Bear Grass, Great Plains Yucca
Duration: Perennial
Bloom Time: Spring
Height: 24 in to 48 in
Spacing: 24 in to 48 in
Light: Full Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
USDA Zone: 4a-10b
Germination: No pre-treatment needed. Sow seeds just below soil surface at 75F and water.
This attractive spiky plant produces bell shaped greenish white flowers and is very hardy and drought tolerant! Roots have been used to make soap as well as treat stomach ache, or they may be used as a shampoo to treat dandruff, hair loss, and to kill head lice! Leaf juice was used by Native Americans to make poison arrows.
Disclaimer: Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease.
Disclaimer: Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease.
Soapweed (Yucca glauca)
Origin: US Native Wildflower
Other Common Names: Soapwell, Bear Grass, Great Plains Yucca
Duration: Perennial
Bloom Time: Spring
Height: 24 in to 48 in
Spacing: 24 in to 48 in
Light: Full Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
USDA Zone: 4a-10b
Germination: No pre-treatment needed. Sow seeds just below soil surface at 75F and water.
This attractive spiky plant produces bell shaped greenish white flowers and is very hardy and drought tolerant! Roots have been used to make soap as well as treat stomach ache, or they may be used as a shampoo to treat dandruff, hair loss, and to kill head lice! Leaf juice was used by Native Americans to make poison arrows.
Disclaimer: Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease.