Soapweed (yucca glauca)

Soapweed is a large perennial plant that tolerates drought well; a broad crown of leaves arises from a short woody base. The leaves are stiff, narrow and pointed and measure 20 to 50 cm long. A stem emerges from the center of the plant, 50 to 100 cm long, and a 5 cm cluster of creamy white flowers sits at its head. The fruit is a dry capsule that contains thin, flat, disc-shaped seeds, light enough to be dispersed by the wind. It is a beautiful tropical-looking ornamental plant for arid locations and poor soils.

Soapweed is found from Texas to Alberta in the north, and from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River in the east. There are four populations of Soapweed in Canada, where the species reaches the northern limit of its range. Two natural populations and one of unknown origin are found in southern Alberta, and one introduced population is found in southern Saskatchewan. These populations occupy a small area, but there are quite a few plants there and they appear to be stable. Hardy to zone 3a.