Yucca, Soap Tree (Yucca elata), packet of 20 seeds

Family:  Agave (Agavaceae) Hardy to Zone 9 to 11 Xerophytic evergreen succulent tree Yucca that thrives in middle elevation in the American Southwest, especially the Chihuahuan desert, where it is native.  The plant produces a bristling globe of leaves atop the fleshy trunk.  The plant can grow as tall as 18 feet, although shorter individuals are far more common, dotted sporadically throughout the open desert and on fencelines throughout the wide range.  Flowering occurs sporadically, consisting of large clusters of creamy, bell-shaped flowers on a long plume that rises into the turquise skies of the SW. Both the trunk and the roots of the plant are loaded with saponins and have been used by native peoples as a source of fine soap.  Hair lathered up with yucca soap is hydrated and enlivened. Plant prefers full sun, fast draining soils and is extremely drought tolerant.  Sow seed flat, just below surface of cactus mix, and water daily and keep very warm and in the sunlight until germination, which is rapid. After germ, back off on watering and grow on seedlings until they attain sufficient size to pot up.  Transplant to landscape only after plants have reached sufficient size to fill a gallon pot with roots. Space plants 6 feet or more apart 20 seeds/pkt, Open Pollinated, Untreated, NO GMO’s