Yucca elata

Soaptree Yucca

OVERVIEW:

Most commonly known for its production of shampoo & soaps from its roots and trunk, the Yucca elata makes an excellent accent piece for any yard! Although, a very slow growing Yucca, once mature, this beauty stands anywhere from 6-20’ tall and 8- 10’ wide. Y. Elata has 4” long blue- green leaves lined with white margins that produce small white fibers. Once these leaves die, they drop to the trunk, giving the appearance of a tan shaggy skirt! Atop this Yucca, late spring- early summer, grows a 4-6’ stalk that displays gorgeous white flowers, sometimes tinted green or pink.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Yucca Elata

Common Name: Soaptree Yucca

Family: Asparagaceae

Suggested Uses: Great as a focal point in a desert garden

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 6-20’

Width: 8-10’

Flower: White flowers with either pink or green tint

Bloom Period: late spring- early summer

Fruit: NA

ENVIRONMENT:

USDA Zone: 6-11

Sun: Full sun

Water: Every week in the summer, every 2-3 weeks in the winter

Soil: Dry, well-draining soils