Plant of the Week

Yucca or also known as Soapweed. (Yucca glauca). A native perennial plant of the Agave family. Yucca often increases on rangeland that has been protected from wildfire or in areas that have been continuously grazed. Native Americans used the leaves of the plant as a source of fiber for making baskets and sandals, while the seeds were used for food. The sap from the plant can also be used to make fermented drinks such as pulque and tequila. Mostly easily identified by its slender, flexible,and straight green leaves, with sharp points - also producing large nodding cream colored flowers on a tall stem during the month of June in eastern Colorado (shown below).