Yucca elata Soap tree (Agavaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Yucca elata
Soap tree
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Yucca elata plant species is found in Southern N. America - Texas. Arizona, northern Mexico. It is a member of the Agavaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Soap tree. Some home gardeners know the variety as Y. radiosa.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Yucca elata
Common Name:  Soap 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:  2   Mature Width:  0.5

Habitat:  Mesas, desert washes, plains and desert grasslands, and in deserts, normally between 500 - 2000 metres[229].

Propagation Notes: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Pre-soaking the seed for 24 hours in warm water may reduce the germination time. It usually germinates within 1 - 12 months if kept at a temperature of 20°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first two winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and consider giving them some winter protection for at least their first winter outdoors - a simple pane of glass is usually sufficient[K]. Seed is not produced in Britain unless the flowers are hand pollinated. Root cuttings in late winter or early spring. Lift in April/May and remove small buds from base of stem and rhizomes. Dip in dry wood ashes to stop any bleeding and plant in a sandy soil in pots in a greenhouse until established[78]. Division of suckers in late spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the following spring.

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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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