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
Show parent genus | Show parent in key(s)
Heliophily ⓘ: 8
Hover over a shape, letter, icon, or arrow on the map for definition or see the legend.
© Sonnia Hill | Original Image ⭷
© Aidan Campos source | Original Image ⭷
© Aidan Campos source | Original Image ⭷
© Aidan Campos source | Original Image ⭷
© Sonnia Hill | Original Image ⭷
© Aidan Campos source | Original Image ⭷
© Sonnia Hill | Original Image ⭷
© Sonnia Hill | Original Image ⭷
© Aidan Campos source | Original Image ⭷Feedback
See something wrong or missing on about Yucca arkansana? Let us know here: (Please include your name and email if at all complicated so we can clarify if needed.) We greatly appreciate feedback, and will include updates from you in our next webapp update, which can take a few months. If a species is not keyed, that's because keying is ongoing. Please don't send us feedback about unkeyed species.
Horticultural Information
No horticultural data found for this taxon.