Fran Dancing Feather

The natural distribution range of the genus Yucca (49 species and 24 subspecies) covers a vast area of the Americas from Baja in the west, northwards into the American Southwest, through the drier central states and as far north as Alberta, Canada and east along the Atlantic coast. To the south, Yucca is found throughout Mexico. Yuccas have adapted to an equally vast range of climate and ecological conditions. They are found in rocky deserts and badlands, mountains, prairies and grasslands like the Verde Valley. Yuccas are pollinated by yucca moths. They instinctively transfer the pollen from one plant to another, and at the same time lay an egg in the flower. Then the moth larva feeds on some of the developing seeds, always leaving enough seed to perpetuate the species. Yucca species are the host plants for the caterpillars of the Yucca Giant-Skipper.

Yuccas are widely grown as ornamental plants in gardens. Many species of yucca also bear edible parts, including fruits, seeds and flowers, flowering stems and occasionally roots. References to yucca root as food often stem from confusion with the similarly spelled but botanically unrelated yuca which is also called “cassava”. Roots of soap tree yucca are high in saponins and are used as a shampoo in Native American rituals. Dried yucca leaves and trunk fibers have a low ignition temperature, making the plant desirable for use in starting fires via friction. Most species are generally heat and cold tolerant and require little care and low water. They offer a dramatic accent to a landscape design. One form called Joshua trees, are protected by law in some states and should not be collected without a permit. As a landscape plant they can be killed by excessive water during their summer dormant phase For these two reasons they are avoided by landscape contractors. The “yucca flower” is the state flower of New Mexico.

Practical Uses

According to Titrisa Nez, “Many Southwest tribes have used this plant for traditional purposes and a way of living. Personally, being a Navajo Indian from the Diné Nation, my grandmother has used this plant in many amazing ways. When I was younger she would gather yucca leaves and roots, soak them in water and washed my hair with it. She would tell me that it would make my hair clean, strong and thicker. Because the roots are hard to get to, she would use the leaves to get the soap and would use this on sunburns, scratches and cuts, also on dry cuticles around our fingernails. For occasions, my grandmother would burn yucca leaves until it turned into ashes. Then she would mix this with her bread-making so the bread would turn a bluish color. This kind of bread is called blue bread and paper bread, which is a very thin paper-like bread. She told me, long ago she used the yucca seeds to dye yarn (sheep wool) to make her rugs.”

According to Desert USA, the Pueblo Indians utilized the yucca for food as well as utilitarian products. The fleshy fruits were eaten green or dried and stored for winter consumption. Baked, the fruit has a flavor which is similar to potatoes. In some pueblos, the “datil” pulp was mixed with berries and made into cakes that could be dried for winter use. The young flower stalks were also eaten, like asparagus. Yucca leaf fibers were twisted together to make rope. Leaves were soaked in water, then pounded with stones to separate the long fibers. These were used for belts, rope ladders, cradle board ties, fishnets and sandals. The fibers were also used for mats and clothing and were incorporated into baskets. Bundles of prepared yucca leaves have been found in prehistoric structures. The leaves were also utilized as paintbrushes. Women chewed the leaf tip to a fine fringe which created an excellent paintbrush to use in decorating pottery.

At the Creek

Yucca flowers have recently bloomed profusely around here and added their seasonal beauty to our communities. Learning to understand the gifts provided by our Creator that naturally occur in the area reminds us that we are rich with bountiful natural resources that have nurtured humanity for thousands of years. The history of the native people and their use of these gifts have much to teach us. If we are willing to look and listen and learn about the land, we know that we will never be poor. We share an abundance of tools, foods and ancient knowledge that can change our attitudes about material wealth. There is a great powerful awareness for these extraordinary things, that is the common thread holding many of us together as a strong and grateful community out here along the shores of Beaver Creek.

Be Sociable, Share!

•