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The Yucca Tuatha are simply amazing plants. They aid in soil stabilization on dry slopes that would otherwise erode swiftly. They are hardy plants growing under adverse conditions, providing food, a haven for the Yucca moth, and many other uses. Treat this Tuatha with respect. Every spring the Yucca Tuatha grow long central stalks covered with thick, milky white flowers. The petals of the the Yucca are edible and make an excellent addition to salads. It is recommended however that the bitter green centers of the flowers and petals be removed. Towards fall the stalks dry up and bear large pods full of small black seeds. These seeds are also edible, but you must get them early, as insects are fond of them as well. The seeds can be ground up into a kind of meal, combined with water and made into cakes. The green leaves can be boiled with salt and eaten, although the leaves are very fiborous. Tea made from the roots was given to women in prolonged labor to speed delivery. The root tea was also given to women just after birth to aid in the delivery of the placenta. The Yucca Tuatha can be one of your strongest allies in the wild. The root of the Yucca can me mashed with stones and combined with warm water to make a very effective and sudsy soap (hence the common name of "Soapwort"). It is REALLY good for the hair and face! The spikey leaves can be used for weaving baskets, split in half to make effective all purpose ties, and pounded in water to extract the fibers for making cords, nets, and ropes. Slices of the leaves can also be fringed to make a natural paintbrush. The juice of the leaves, when boiled, can produce a red dye. Our Tuatha uses them for making the crosoga at Imbolc! They work VERY well. Long and durable central stalkes make excellent fire drills for need-fires since they grow so straight and proud. In short the Yucca Tuatha give everything to us and they hold a special place in our heart.
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