Small Soapweed

(Yucca glauca)

Small Soapweed (Yucca glauca)

CK Kelly

CC BY 4.0

Image By: CK Kelly

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Yucca glauca, commonly known as Small Soapweed or Great Plains Yucca, is a perennial evergreen plant native to the shortgrass prairies and high plains of the Central United States. It is well-adapted to xeric conditions, often found in dry, open areas with well-drained soils. This species typically forms colonies of rosettes, with long, narrow, blue-green leaves that can be quite sharp, hence the name Spanish Bayonet. The inflorescence reaches up to 100 cm tall and may be branched or unbranched. From late spring to early summer, it produces pendent flowers that are white to very pale green, which are followed by dry capsules containing shiny black seeds.

Yucca glauca is valued for its drought tolerance and architectural form, making it suitable for xeriscaping and as an accent plant in rock gardens. It is also used in native plantings and habitat restoration projects. This yucca requires full sun and thrives in soils with fast drainage, requiring low to very low amounts of water once established. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered. Additionally, its sharp leaves can pose a hazard in areas with foot traffic.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Succulent
Height: 1.5-2 feet
Width: 3-4 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Green, White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Very Low, Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to the shortgrass prairies and high plains of the Central United States

Other Names

Common Names: Bear-Grass , Yucca , Great Plains Yucca , Small Soapweed , Soapweed , Soapwell , Spanish Bayonet , Beargrass , Small Soapweed Yucca , Blaugrüne Palmlilie , Yucca Glauque

Scientific Names: Yucca glauca , Yucca glauca var. glauca , Yucca angustifolia , Yucca glauca var. gurneyi , Yucca stricta , Yucca glauca subsp. stricta , Yucca angustifolia f. genuina , Yucca angustifolia f. stricta , Yucca angustifolia var. stricta , Yucca flaccida var. integra

GBIF Accepted Name: Yucca glauca Nutt.