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Chaparral Yucca
Hesperoyucca whipplei
33.0069, -117.01
Field Notes
Description:
Silver-green succulent with long, slender, fleshy leaves with tall thick stalk with large, white, pink and purple flowers.
Habitat:
Coastal scrub area of Lake Poway. Found in Southern California, down into Baja California.
Notes:
The plant grows a stalk at a very fast rate after about 5 yrs. After it blooms, the plant usually dies. This plant was used by the Native Americans for several purposes, using the entire plant. The young stalk was roasted over a fire then peeled and eaten. The flower buds were boiled two times to get rid of the bitter flavor then eaten. The stringy fibers of the leaves were made into a strong twine. The roots were ground into soap. Seeds were used for beads.
Reference Links:
Calflora: Hesperoyucca whipplei
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedMarch 22, 2012
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