Nolina microcarpa

Bear Grass

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What is Beargrass?

Nolina microcarpa, commonly called Beargrass or Sacahuista, is a slow growing succulent member of the lily family native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This drought tolerant plant forms fountain like clumps of slender arching leaves with tall summer flower stalks, creating dramatic sculptural form in xeriscapes, desert gardens, and water wise landscapes. Beargrass thrives in hot, dry climates with well draining soil.

How big does Beargrass grow?

Beargrass forms clumps of foliage reaching 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. The plant develops a short trunk at the base as it matures. During flowering season, tall flower stalks rise 6 to 10 feet above the foliage, bringing the total height to 9 to 14 feet. Landscape architects can space plants 4 to 6 feet apart for individual specimens or mass plantings. The slow growth rate means the plant takes several years to reach mature size.

What do Beargrass flowers look like?

Beargrass produces tall slender flower stalks adorned with thousands of tiny white flowers in summer. The delicate blooms cluster densely along the upper portion of the stalk, creating a cloud like appearance that resembles stars. Each flower measures less than 1/4 inch but the sheer abundance creates spectacular visual impact. The creamy white flowers stand out dramatically against the olive green foliage and attract numerous pollinators including hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

When does Beargrass bloom?

Beargrass blooms in late spring through summer, typically from May through July. Mature plants bloom more reliably than young specimens, with flowering occurring every 1 to 3 years depending on growing conditions and plant health. The bloom period lasts 3 to 6 weeks. The tall flower stalks remain standing after blooming and can be left for architectural interest or removed for tidier appearance.

What are the foliage characteristics of Beargrass?

Beargrass features slender, leathery leaves that arch gracefully outward from a central point, creating a fountain like form. The olive green leaves measure 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide and 2 to 3 feet long. The leaf margins have fine teeth that give a slightly rough texture. The tips of the leaves often curl playfully, adding visual interest. The evergreen foliage provides year round structure and texture in the landscape.

How much sun does Beargrass need?

Beargrass requires full sun exposure, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant performs best in locations receiving all day sun and thrives in intense desert heat. Full sun promotes healthy growth, compact form, and encourages flowering. Beargrass tolerates reflected heat from hardscapes, south or west facing exposures, and extreme temperatures without stress. Insufficient sunlight results in weak growth and reduced flowering potential.

What are the water requirements for Beargrass?

Once established, Beargrass demonstrates exceptional drought tolerance and survives on natural rainfall in most regions. During the establishment phase, which lasts 6 to 12 months, provide deep watering every 2 to 3 weeks. Established plants require minimal to no supplemental irrigation. Occasional deep watering during extreme drought may benefit the plant but is not necessary for survival. Overwatering causes root rot, which is the primary threat to this desert adapted plant. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.

What soil conditions does Beargrass prefer?

Beargrass requires well draining soil and tolerates poor, rocky, sandy, or gravelly soil types. The plant adapts to alkaline soil with pH levels between 7.0 and 8.5. Excellent drainage is critical to prevent root rot, especially during rainy periods or winter months. Avoid planting in heavy clay, poorly drained locations, or areas where water accumulates. Beargrass thrives in decomposed granite, caliche, and rocky outcrops where many plants fail. The deep root system anchors the plant firmly in harsh conditions.

How fast does Beargrass grow?

Beargrass exhibits a slow growth rate, taking 5 to 10 years or more to reach mature size. Young plants grow very slowly during their first few years as they establish extensive root systems. Growth accelerates slightly once established but remains slow compared to most landscape plants. The patient growth rate makes Beargrass an investment plant that increases in value and visual impact over many years. Once established, clumps continue expanding slowly, occasionally producing offsets that form new plants.

Does Beargrass attract pollinators and wildlife?

Yes, Beargrass provides valuable nectar sources for pollinators during its blooming period. The abundant white flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees, and other beneficial insects. The nectar rich blooms offer important food when many desert plants are not flowering. The dense foliage provides shelter for small wildlife. Beargrass contributes to biodiversity and supports desert ecosystems.

Is Beargrass deer and rabbit resistant?

Yes, Beargrass naturally resists browsing by deer and rabbits. The tough, leathery leaves with finely toothed margins deter herbivores from feeding on the plant. The architectural form and structural foliage remain undamaged in areas with high deer or rabbit pressure. This resistance makes Beargrass reliable for landscapes where wildlife browsing threatens tender plants.

What hardiness zones support Beargrass?

Beargrass grows successfully in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10. The plant tolerates winter temperatures down to 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit once established. In zone 7, some leaf damage may occur during severe cold snaps below 5 degrees Fahrenheit, but plants typically recover. Heat tolerance extends through zone 10, where Beargrass withstands summer temperatures exceeding 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant thrives in the hottest, driest conditions.

How do you prune Beargrass?

Beargrass requires minimal pruning. Remove spent flower stalks after blooming by cutting them near the base. Trim dead or damaged leaves as needed throughout the year by pulling them away from the plant or cutting them at the base. Avoid removing healthy green leaves. The plant naturally sheds older lower leaves, which can be removed for tidier appearance. Pruning is primarily aesthetic rather than necessary for plant health.

What are common problems with Beargrass?

Root rot represents the primary problem with Beargrass and occurs in poorly drained soil or with excessive watering, especially during cold damp conditions. Fungal issues may develop when drainage is inadequate. The plant experiences few pest problems. Proper siting in full sun with excellent drainage and minimal irrigation prevents most issues. Beargrass demonstrates strong natural resistance to pests and diseases when grown in appropriate conditions.

How do you use Beargrass in landscape design?

Landscape architects and designers incorporate Beargrass as dramatic focal points where its sculptural form and towering flower stalks create visual impact. The plant works effectively in xeriscape designs, desert gardens, and southwestern themed landscapes. Use Beargrass in rock gardens, along pathways, or as architectural specimens in minimalist designs. The plant suits commercial landscapes, public spaces, and residential gardens requiring low maintenance. Beargrass excels in locations where its slow growth and drought tolerance provide long term value.

What plants pair well with Beargrass?

Beargrass combines effectively with other desert adapted plants including agave, yucca, ocotillo, penstemon, desert marigold, and brittlebush. The fine textured foliage contrasts beautifully with bold succulents and architectural plants. Pair with ornamental grasses like deer grass and Mexican feathergrass for naturalized designs. The olive green color complements silvery plants and purple flowering perennials. Companion plants with similar low water requirements create cohesive sustainable landscapes.

What cultural significance does Beargrass have?

Beargrass holds important cultural significance for Indigenous communities of the Southwest. Historically, various parts of the plant were used for basket weaving, rope making, and thatching, reflecting deep connections between native peoples and the land. Eastern prairie tribes boiled the roots for medicinal purposes. The fruit can be eaten and the seeds ground into flour or meal. Understanding this cultural heritage adds depth to landscape designs honoring southwestern traditions.

Why choose Beargrass for sustainable landscapes?

Beargrass offers exceptional sustainability benefits. The minimal water requirements reduce irrigation demands by 85 to 95 percent compared to traditional landscape plants. Native plant status supports local ecosystems. The deep root system prevents erosion on slopes. Zero fertilizer and pesticide needs eliminate chemical inputs. Evergreen foliage provides year round interest without seasonal replanting. Low maintenance requirements reduce labor costs. These characteristics make Beargrass ideal for LEED certified projects, water conservation mandates, and environmentally responsible landscape designs.

Summary for landscape professionals

Nolina microcarpa, Beargrass, delivers outstanding sculptural form and sustainability for southwestern landscapes. This slow growing native succulent reaches 3 to 4 feet tall with dramatic 6 to 10 foot flower stalks in summer, attracts pollinators, resists deer and rabbits, and demonstrates exceptional drought tolerance. Beargrass serves landscape architects and designers seeking distinctive architectural plants for xeriscapes, focal points, desert gardens, and sustainable landscape projects across USDA zones 7 through 10.

FAMILY

Asparagaceae

MATURE HEIGHT

3 to 5 ft

GROWTH HABIT

Nolina microcarpa is an evergreen, perennial clumping succulent that grows in a rosette from a subterranean caudex, forming a mound up to 7 feet tall and wide. Its growth habit is grass-like, with long, narrow, wiry leaves that can be up to 5 feet long, but with sharply serrated margins and a distinctive fibrous, curly-tipped apex. It blooms in late spring to summer with a large, open, paniculate inflorescence of greenish-white flowers borne on a tall terminal stalk that rises well above the foliage.

WATER REQUIREMENT

Drought Tolerant

HARDY TO

10°F

NATIVE REGION

Southwest US

TYPE

Accent

SOIL TYPE

Nolina microcarpa requires a specific soil type that prioritizes excellent drainage above all other characteristics. In its native desert habitat, the plant thrives in poor, shallow, and rocky soils derived from granite or volcanic rock. The ideal soil composition is a loose, sandy or loamy mixture, which can include clay as long as sufficient coarse sand, gravel, or perlite is added to ensure fast drainage and prevent the roots from remaining in soggy conditions, as this can cause root rot. The plant is not particular about the soil's pH, tolerating a range from acidic to highly alkaline conditions, and it performs best in unfertile soils without the addition of compost or rich organic matter.

MAINTENACE TIPS

Maintenance requirements for Nolina microcarpa are minimal, making it an extremely low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant once established. During the first couple of years after planting, water the plant once every week to 10 days to help it acclimate. After establishment, deep, infrequent watering once or twice a month during the summer is sufficient, allowing the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Supplemental winter watering is usually not required unless there is an extended drought. Fertilization is seldom necessary, but a light application of a slow-release succulent formula can be applied in the spring if growth appears stunted.

ELEVATION

to 7000 feet

4 to 10 ft

MATURE WIDTH

LEAF SHAPE

The leaves of the Nolina microcarpa, commonly known as beargrass, are a key identifying characteristic of this evergreen, grass-like succulent. The leaves are long, narrow, and strap-like (linear), growing in a dense, clumping basal rosette from a subterranean caudex. They typically range from 2 to 4 feet in length and are tough, leathery, and fibrous, allowing them to store moisture. The foliage is a medium to olive green color, with margins that are finely serrated or toothed, giving them a rough texture. A distinctive feature is that the tips of the leaves characteristically fray into highly ornamental white, curly threads or "curlicues". This combination of tough texture, serrated edges, and curly tips makes the leaves quite unique and gives the plant a wispy, informal appearance.

FLOWER COLOR

Cream White

FLOWER CHARACTERISTICS

The Nolina microcarpa produces a tall, central flowering stalk, known as a scape, which rises significantly above its clumping, grass-like leaves. This scape supports a large, dense, plume-like terminal inflorescence, specifically a panicle, covered with hundreds of tiny, numerous flowers. The individual flowers are small, typically pale green to cream or white, and appear in late spring through summer. The species is primarily dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are generally borne on separate plants, though occasionally a flower may have both functional parts. The minute perianth parts, or tepals, measure only about 1.5–3.3 mm in length, with fertile stamens and anthers of similarly small size.

FRUIT/SEED

The Nolina microcarpa produces a capsular fruit that is small, thin-walled, and three-sided, changing in color from green to tan or brown as it matures. The capsule is typically inflated and three-lobed, measuring approximately 4.2–6 mm in length and 5.4–6.4 mm in width, and is often indistinctly notched at the apex. The fruit dehisces, or splits open irregularly, to expose the seeds. The seeds are loosely invested within the capsule and are compressed, with dimensions of 2.2–3.4 mm by 1.5–3 mm. These seeds can be dispersed by wind, likely due to the inflated, papery nature of the capsule.

SUN EXPOSURE

Full Sun

POLLINATORS

Nolina microcarpa, commonly known as beargrass or sacahuista, provides significant ecological value to desert ecosystems by supporting a variety of wildlife and pollinators. The plant serves as a crucial larval host for the Gray Hairstreak butterfly (Strymon melinus) and specific yucca moths (Prodoxidae family). The abundant tiny white flowers, which bloom on tall spikes from late spring to summer, attract a wide array of adult pollinators, including generalist insects like the non-native honey bee (Apis mellifera) and the native chrysomelid beetle (Triarius trivittatus), as well as native solitary bees (Lasioglossum and Heriades genera). The dry, spent flower stalks are utilized by native solitary bees as nesting sites, and the plant's structure offers cover and a food source for other animals, such as hummingbirds and various songbirds, which consume the nectar and seeds, respectively. This highlights the plant's role in the intricate food web and habitat structure of its native range.

PRUNING TIPS

Nolina microcarpa does not require regular pruning to maintain its form. The plant naturally has a clean, evergreen appearance with arching, leathery leaves. Pruning is mostly for aesthetic purposes, such as removing older, dried, or damaged leaves for a tidier look. The tall flower stalks should be removed after blooming, or they can be left for wildlife interest. When pruning, use clean, sharp shears and wear gloves to handle the leaves, which have finely toothed margins. The clumps can also be thinned every few years to rejuvenate older plants.