(Photograph = Yucca carnerosana, Sergio Niebla)
Introduction
Many Yucca species form plants that are low to the ground, just 2- or 3-ft tall. Other yuccas form trees 15- to 20-ft tall, and they are commanding sentinels of arid and semi-arid landscapes.
The Details
Large yuccas are symbols of desert lands. They are important in their environments because they provide food and shelter for animals of all types: insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. In fact, each large yucca can be home and grocery store for many animals. Animals eat the flowers and seeds, and other animals make their homes in the protection of the dense spiky leaves.
Native Americans ate the flowers and seeds. Extracts from roots were used to make soap. A tea was even made from yucca sap. The yucca leaf fibers were used to make ropes and cords, belts, mats, and baskets. The fibers were even fashioned into dental tape and floss. Today Yucca extract is added to ales and beers where it assists in foaming. Also, extracts are added to some ice creams and pet foods.
Related Reading: Ecology of Southeastern Yuccas.
