Yucca spp. are commonly used for weaving and starting friction fires as the leaves and trunks have low ignition temps when dry. Many also bear edible parts including fruits, seeds, flowers, flowering stems and, more rarely, roots. Soaptree (yucca elata) roots are high in saponins and used as soap. Rural Appalachian species such as yucca filamentosa are known as "meat hangers" as their sharp tipped leaves puncture meat and are then knotted to form hanging loops. Hardiness varies widely. Zone ...
