Plains Yucca Yucca glauca

A member of the agave family, the soapweed yucca is a woody-stemmed perennial with long and narrow leaves in rosettes. It is a native to the Great Plains, from Canada to Texas, and grows best in dry, rocky soil. Its natural habitat is short grass prairies and desert grasslands. The species epithet is Latin for “glaucous” and refers to the waxy bloom on the surface of the leaves.

Success with soapweed yucca means giving it sharp drainage and full sun. It is very tolerant of poor or rocky soils but cannot survive in waterlogged conditions. It tolerates a broad pH range. This species is among the most cold-hardy and landscape-ready of the yucca species. Propagation can be accomplished from seeds that have been given a winter cold treatment (cold stratified). Stem cuttings, rhizomes, and offsets are additional means of propagation. 

It is often grown for its attractive foliage, but the flowers are a bonus. The erect inflorescence is unbranched, and the downward-facing flowers are borne close to the peduncle. The flowers attract butterflies, and it is a host plant for the yucca moth. This moth is the only insect that can successfully pollinate the yucca flower, and developing seeds are the moth larvae's only food source. In the wild, this is an important plant for wildlife and provides food and nesting for small mammals, birds and reptiles. 

Its roots contain saponins and are used to make soap. Crushed roots produce a lather that is great as a soap or shampoo.  The common name soapweed stems from this trait. Dried leaves from this plant can be used to weave baskets, mats, and sandals. Rope is made from the extracted leaf fibers. The leaves can be used to make paint brushes and brooms. After splitting the leaves, they can be used as a tying material. The needle-sharp points of the leaves have been used as needles.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No major problems or pests.