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].

General Uses: The leaves, or a fibre obtained from them, is used for making ropes and mats[82, 169, 181, 257]. The leaves can be woven into shallow or tray baskets[257]. The leaf has also been used as a binding element in coarse coiled basketry[257]. The roots have a red core and have been used to ornament baskets[257]. The roots are rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute for washin the hair, body, clothes etc[82, 181, 257]. Also used as a foaming agent in beer[183]. A slick soap-like fluid in the trunk has been used as a substitute for soap[229]. Wood - light, soft and spongey[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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