Native Americans and early settlers harvested the leaves to extract long, durable fibers for making rope, cordage, baskets, and sandals. The root (rich in saponins) was crushed to produce a natural lather for soap and shampoo.
Native Americans and early settlers harvested the leaves to extract long, durable fibers for making rope, cordage, baskets, and sandals. The root (rich in saponins) was crushed to produce a natural lather for soap and shampoo.