Soaproot is native to sunny meadows and oak woodlands of northern California and southwestern Oregon.  Like other plants in the agave family, it grows strap-shaped leaves in a basal rosette, then sends up tall flowering stalks in summer with small white flowers.  The name “pomeridianum” means late afternoon (p.m.), which is when the flowers open.  This is a very drought tolerant plant, good for areas with no irrigation.

Several indigenous tribes roasted the bulbs to make a sweet and sticky food similar to roasted camas or onions.  Uncooked, the bulbs have coarse hairs and saponins that make good scrub brushes with built-in suds!  Plus, the spring shoots can be cooked like asparagus.  Where else can you find a plant that makes a meal and helps you wash the dishes too?