Yucca arkansana Trel.

  • Family: Agavaceae
  • Common names: soapweed, Arkansas yucca
  • Synonym:: Yucca angustissima var. mollis

    Acaulescent shrub with long stiff evergreen leaves radiating from a basal rosette. Leaves flattened, flexible, 40-70 cm (16-28 in) long and about 1.5 cm (0.6 in) wide at base, spiny at apex, glaucous green with greenish white margins often becoming filiferous. Inflorescence a raceme. Flowers numerous, large, with 3 petaloid sepals and 3 petals, greenish-white or purplish. Fruits oblong-cylindrical capsules 4.5-6 cm (1.8-2.4 in) long.

    Distribution: Native to Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
    Habitat: prairies and savannas.
    NWI status: none
    Comment: Yucca is the native Hatian name; arkansana refers to Arkansas.

    Distribution in Oklahoma:

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    Last update: 9/23/99
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