Yucca brevifolia Joshua tree (Agavaceae) Evergreen tree

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Yucca brevifolia
Joshua tree
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Yucca brevifolia plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California to Utah. It is a member of the Agavaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Joshua tree. Some home gardeners know the variety as Y. arborescens.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Yucca brevifolia
Common Name:  Joshua tree
Family:  Agavaceae
Author:  Engelm.

Known Hazards:  The roots contain saponins[222]. Whilst saponins are quite toxic to people, they are poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass straight through. They are also destroyed by prolonged heat, such as slow baking in an oven. Saponins are found in many common foods such as beans[K]. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Mature Height:  9   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Arid mesas and mountain slopes, usually at 650 - 2200 metres[229].

General Uses: A fibre obtained from the leaves is used for making ropes, baskets, sandals, clothing and mats[82, 257]. The whole leaf can be woven into mats etc and it can also be used as a paint brush[82, 257]. The dark red core of the roots has been used as a pattern material in coiled baskets[257]. The core is split into strands, soaked and worked in witth the coiling so that the colour is always on the outside[257]. Red and black dyes have been obtained from the roots[257]. The roots are rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[21, 85]. It makes a good hair wash[85, 94]. Wood - light, soft, spongey, difficult to work[82]. Sometimes cut into thin layers and used as wrapping material, or manufactured into boxes and other small articles[82].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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