🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Yucca schidigera has many permaculture applications. The flowers, fruit, and stalk are edible after proper preparation to remove saponins. It is used as a natural soap and shampoo source due to its high saponin content. It is also used in animal feed to reduce ammonia emissions and improve digestion. The tough fibers can be used for cordage and weaving. The plant can be used as a windbreak or erosion control on dry slopes.
Permapeople description
Yucca schidigera, also known as Mojave yucca or Spanish Dagger, is a plant native to the Mojave Desert of southeastern California, Baja California, southern Nevada, and Arizona. It's known for its drought tolerance and distinctive flower spike.
Botanical description
Yucca schidigera is a flowering plant native to the Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert, and Chihuahuan Desert of southeastern California, Baja California, southern Nevada, Arizona, and western Texas. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 1-5 meters tall, with a densely leaved crown. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, rigid, 30-150 cm long and 4-11 cm wide, with a sharp terminal spine. The flowers are creamy white, bell-shaped, 3-5 cm long, produced in a large panicle 45-120 cm long on top of a stalk 1-3.5 meters tall. The fruit is an oval capsule 5-12 cm long, which splits open at maturity to release the black seeds.
Companion planting
Yucca schidigera is generally considered a good companion plant for other drought-tolerant species. Its presence can improve soil drainage and aeration due to its deep roots. It does not have any known significantly unfavorable associations.
Propagation methods
Yucca schidigera can be propagated by seed, root cuttings, or stem cuttings. Seed germination can be improved by scarification and stratification. Root cuttings should be taken in late winter or early spring. Stem cuttings should be allowed to callus before planting in well-draining soil.
History and traditions
Native American tribes in the regions where Yucca schidigera grows have traditionally used it for various purposes. The fibers were used for making rope, sandals, and baskets. The roots and stems were used as a soap substitute and for medicinal purposes, including treating skin conditions and arthritis. Some tribes consumed the flowers and fruits after cooking to remove the saponins.
Usage calendar
Flowering typically occurs in spring. Harvesting of the flowers, fruit, and stalk can occur in late spring or summer when they are mature. Planting of cuttings or seedlings is best done in the fall or early spring. Pruning is generally not necessary, but dead or damaged leaves can be removed at any time.