A member of the Agave family, wavy, strappy leaves emerge in early spring. Leaves can be up 3’ long. delicate, star-like flowers in clusters. Flowers are typically white, with a noticeable purple or green mid-vein and yellow-to-orange stamens. Soap plant flowers are unique in that they open only in the late afternoon or evening, sometimes on cloudy days. The flowers remain open during the night but will close by the morning. Pollination is by evening and night flying insects. Indigenous peoples use the crushed bulbs and water to produce a lather for cleaning clothing and baskets.