ABC’s Phytocosmetic Garden is bursting with plants that are used in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, soaps and cosmetics.

Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) root contains a large quantity of saponins, making it a useful plant for the production of soaps and cosmetics. Soapwort was used traditionally in small amounts to treat minor skin rashes.

Sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri) is native from the Texas hill country through west Texas. It is a drought-resistant plant that can grow to a diameter of 4 feet. The plant produces a single tall flower spike that reaches upwards to 10 or more feet. The central portion of the plant can be eaten as can the flower stem. A fermented drink is also made from the stem.