Agavaceae Yucca angustissima Engelm. ex Trel.

Narrowleaf Yucca

Southwest Indians - Other, Ceremonial Items

Use documented by:
Bell, Willis H and Edward F. Castetter, 1941, Ethnobiological Studies in the Southwest VII. The Utilization of of Yucca, Sotol and Beargrass by the Aborigines in the American Southwest, University of New Mexico Bulletin 5(5):1-74, page 55

View all documented uses for Yucca angustissima Engelm. ex Trel.

Scientific name: Yucca angustissima Engelm. ex Trel.
USDA symbol: YUANA2 (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Narrowleaf Yucca
Family: Agavaceae
Family (APG): Asparagaceae
Native American Tribe: Southwest Indians
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Ceremonial Items
Notes: Roots made into suds and used during marriage ceremonies. As part of the marriage ceremony, the groom's head was washed by his future mother-in-law, while that of the bride was washed by the bridegroom's mother.

RECRD: 40573 id: 43772