Yucca Glauca (Soapweed Yucca, Narrowleaf Yucca, Spanish Bayonet, or Beargrass)

Soapweed yucca is an evergreen shrub that grows up to three feet high. In June, mature yucca plants shoot up a 2 to 5-foot tall stalk which soon displays creamy-white flowers. Their natural habitat is dry rocky soils and often found in short grass prairies and desert grasslands. If you’ve ever done any wondering in the Great Plains, you have surely stumbled upon this distinct member of the Agave family.

These drought-tolerant rock stars have adapted to xeric growth conditions and thrive in arid climates due to their robust root system. Their tap roots can reach 20 feet deep and they also establish an extensive system of lateral roots that can extend up to 30 feet.

Also called Narrowleaf Yucca, Spanish Bayonet, and Beargrass, this Yucca variety is an important plant for wildlife. It provides food and nesting for small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The flowers attract butterflies. Also, it is a host plant for the Yucca Moth. This moth and the Yucca go hand-in-hand because neither one can live without the other.

However, what these plants are truly known for are their medicinal and utilitarian uses. The most common is soap, as the name suggests. Just crush up some of its root and add a bit of water and voila, a lather will appear that makes a good soap or shampoo. Some even claim this shampoo kills lice, eliminates dandruff, and prevents baldness. Some even use this “soap” on poison ivy to help soothe the sting. Additionally, the roots can be pulverized and stewed in water to help with upset stomachs or in a bath to help with sprains. Or, you can bring out your creative side by weaving the dried leaves into a basket of fancy footwear.

Now, we can’t guarantee you will have a full head of lice-free hair, but we can guarantee you’ll love this tolerant and classic flowering plant.

Fun Fact: This plant is the New Mexico State flower.