Yucca Angustifolia Data Sheet

• Common names: Soap-weed Yucca, Toft Yucca

• Latin name: Yucca Angustifolia

• Genus: Yucca

• Height: 2.5 m (8 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 6 - 8

• Conservation status: Vulnerable

Yucca Angustifolia is often referred to as the Soap-weed yucca, Toft yucca, Great plains yucca, Spanish bayonet yucca and the Beargrass yucca. The long narrow leaves reach a length of up to 60 cm with a width of 10 - 12 mm. The flowers are arranged on drooping stems and are a light green to white colour.

This species is native to the USA and Canada, from Alberta down through the central plains to New Mexico and Texas. The plant has a maximum height of around 2.5 meters tall.

Soap-weed yucca was widely used by native American tribes as a medicinal plant. Seeds were often boiled and used as food while the leaves were soaked in water and wound to make ropes. the roots were used to make blankets and clothing. the roots could me mashed and used for washing hair.

Pregermination

These seeds need no pretreatment as such. Germination time can be reduced by soaking the black seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard shell prior to sowing. Once soaked, fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface; around 10 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Compost should be kept damp, not soaking wet or dried out. A temperature of between 60F and 70F is perfect for yucca germination. Place pots or trays on a cool to warm windowsill or in a cool conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks, depending on the soaking process, germination can take up to 8 weeks.

Post Germination

Keep seedlings in a bright, well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of damping off disease; a windowsill is ideal. Ensure they don't dry out or become waterlogged. These seedlings will quickly develop a large root system. They can be separated into 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside all year. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertiliser every 4 weeks.