 In dry desert-type areas, you've probably seen this sharp, pointy leaf plant. This plant is called yucca, and it can be seen blooming in early summer. Yucca has a really interesting mutualistic pollination with yucca moths. These moths travel from flower to flower pollinating. While at the flowers, they also lay their eggs. As the larvae develop, they feed on the seeds, making sure to leave enough seeds for more yucca to grow. Living in desert country can be tough. Adaptations to the arid climate include thick waxy stems, leaf structure that funnels do and rain to the roots, and the ability to store water in roots. Native Americans found yucca to be very useful. The roots are high in saponin, which acts like a soap when scrubbed in water. The sharp leaves were used to puncture meat. After being tied in a loop, they were hung for salt curing and smoking. Its low ignition temperature makes it desirable for starting fires via friction. Although yucca is a state flower of New Mexico, it can be found from Alberta, Canada, through the United States, and down into Central America. It is not to be mistaken for the root vegetable cassava, which is also called yucca with one seed. It doesn't really matter which Wyoming county you travel through. You'll probably see this tough desert plant, yucca. From the University of Wyoming Extension, I'm Mae Smith, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming.