Soaptree Yucca

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Scientific Name: Yucca elata

Common Name: Soaptree Yucca
Family: Asparagaceae

Duration: Perennial

Size: Up to 20 feet or more.
Growth Form: Shrub, tree; solitary or forming colonies of rosettes; single trunk or clustered trunks; caulescent; distinctly tree-like; stems erect; slow growth.
Leaves: Green, gray-green, blue-green, pale green; linear and widest near the middle; margins white, entire, curled, filiferous.
Flower Color: White, creamy-white or cream; flowers pendent; sepals and petal similar, called tepals; inflorescence up to 7 feet, 25 or more side branches with clusters of showy bell-shaped flowers, mostly paniculate; fruit an erect dry, brown, woody capsule.

Flowering Season: May to July.

Threatened/Endangered Information: In North America Yucca elata is listed as "Salvage Restricted" by the state of Arizona

Comments: Yucca elata is one of the most important resources for southwestern North American indigenous peoples. Similar to the Banana Yucca, almost all parts of the Soaptree Yucca are used including stalks, leaves, flowers, fruits and roots. The plant provides a food source and materials for development of a variety of items. Readily found in nurseries. Makes a splendid landscape plant.