The Mojave yucca occurs on dry rocky slopes and mesas from the coast to the Colorado Desert at elevations usually below 5,000 feet. This species of yucca has often been called the Spanish dagger or bayonet because of its rigid, slender green leaves that are armed with sharp spines at their tips. The leaf edges have free marginal fibers that tend to curl slightly.
This perennial species has a distinct trunk, often grows to a height of about
12 feet and may exhibit some branching. Cream-colored flowers, often tinged with purple, are borne in clusters on a rapidly growing stalk.

The fibers obtained from the leaves were utilized by the Indians for a variety of purposes such as baskets, cloth, rope and thread. The fruit was eaten raw, cooked, or dried and stored for future consumption. The flower heads, stems and buds were also cooked. The fleshy root and the stem were pounded and softened to make a soap-like product