Yucca glauca (Soapweed): Native Evergreen with Fragrant Flower Stalks

Overview

Yucca glauca (soapweed) is a clumping evergreen shrub with narrow leaves and a startling 3-4 foot fragrant flower stalk. Pale green to greenish-white flowers. Tenacious in the American West but adds desert character to gardens. Roots yield soap; foliage used in basket-making.

Growing Conditions

Full sun only. Well-drained sandy loam. Dry to medium moisture. Remove dead leaves in early spring (wear gloves and long sleeves).

Landscape Uses

• Desert and rock gardens
• Beds and borders
• Xeric landscapes
• Native plant gardens
• Architectural accents

Key Features

• Evergreen spiky foliage
• 3-4 foot fragrant flower stalk
• Native, deer and drought tolerant
• Self-seeds
• Soap from roots, basket fiber from leaves
• Low maintenance