Flora of the Southeastern United States

Yucca arkansana Trelease. Common name: Arkansas Yucca. Phenology: Mar-mid May. Habitat: Glades, exposed bluffs, dry woodlands, prairies, river scour, dry, open habitats. Distribution: S. MO and se. KS south through AR and OK to s. TX.

ID notes: This species is identified by its racemose inflorescences and weak flaccid leaves; however, some lower branches occasionally branch into a panicle in some populations. This species is the earliest flowering Yucca in our area. Hybrids with Yucca pallida are common in nc. Texas (Diggs et al. 2006).

Origin/Endemic status: Native

Other Comments: The roots, containing saponins, were used as a soap by both Indigenous Americans and pioneers and the seeds were eaten raw, roasted, or ground into a flour.

Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, ETx1, FNA26, K4, Mo1, NcTx, NS, Ok, POWO, S13, Tx; = Yucca glauca Nutt. var. mollis Engelm. — F; < Yucca glauca Nutt. — C. Basionym: Yucca arkansana Trel. 1892

Links to other floras: = Yucca arkansana - FNA26

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Heliophily ⓘ: 8