Yucca is a small, evergreen shrub native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. The plant is known for its large flower stalk of white to yellow bell-shaped flowers and lance-like leaves.
Native Americans used the fibrous leaves to make rope, clothing and other textiles and the root to make soap. The saponins in yucca root produce suds in water. A poultice or paste made of the powdered root may be applied to skin.
Yucca root powder may also be tinctured, alone or with other herbs. The Yucca schidigera powder is also commonly encapsulated as a dietary supplement.