Nolina texana – Bear Grass is bullet proof!
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Nolina texana is a handsome clumping grass-like plant with numerous sharp-edged stiff leaf blades arranged in a rosette. The leaves have dry, curled string-like tips and are green. It produces 4 to 6 foot flower spikes in May through June which are covered in small white flowers followed, on female plants, by small papery three-sided seed capsules.
Native Americans used the leaves for weaving mats, cordage, thatch and basketry. Roots were used for medicinal purposes. Seeds and flower stalks were eaten but are somewhat toxic to domesticated animals, especially sheep and goats. The leaves of the plant are flammable but it will resprout from the root caudex after a fire.
An excellent plant for xeriscape, succulent and rock gardens and large containers. The plant has sharp-edged serrated leaves and should be located away from pedestrian traffic. It is tolerant of alkaline soils and deer and rodent resistant.
Horticultural Data
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Names and Synonyms: Nolina texana, Sachahuista
Common Names: Texas Bear Grass, Beargrass, Small-seeded Beargrass, Basket Grass, Sawgrass, Sacahuista, Sacahuiste, Palmilla, Small-seed Nolina
Family: Agavaceae; Nolinaceae; Asparagaceae
Origin: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Northern Mexico in upper elevation desert foothills, grasslands and pine-oak or juniper-oak woodlands.
Mature Size: 4-6′
Height: 4-6′
Width: 4-6′
Cold Tolerance: 0 to 5°F, -17.8 to -15°C
Heat Tolerance: Very high heat tolerance.
Light Requirement: Light shade to full sun.
Water needs: Very drought tolerant
Maintenance: Remove spent flower spikes and dead leaves as desired.
Uses: An excellent plant for xeriscape, succulent and rock gardens and large containers. The plant has sharp edged serrated leaves and should be located away from pedestrian traffic. It is tolerant of alkaline soils and deer and rodent resistant.
Propagation: Can be propagated from seed but both male and female plants are needed to set seed. Seed should be sown in fall and do best if transplanted to 4 to 6 inch pots and kept in light shade for the first year. Large clumps can be root divided and replanted.
Problems: Beargrass requires excellent drainage to avoid root and crown rot.
Research Links:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/112113/
http://www.delange.org/Beargrass/Beargrass.htm
http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/3576/nolina-microcarpa-sacahuista/
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=NOMI
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nolina_microcarpa
Shipping & Availability
Description | Horticultural Data | Shipping & Availability | Top
There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
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