Nolina microcarpa

Also Known As

Basket Grass
Bear Grass

Plant type

cactus / succulent, grass / grass like

size

H: 4'-5'
W: 4'-5'

planting zones

5a-11

More Options

Nolina microcarpa plant details

Nolina microcarpa is an evergreen cactus / succulent or grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Nolina microcarpa

Plant type: cactus / succulent or grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: agavaceae, asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 4 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, spiky, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Nolina microcarpa

USDA Zones: 5a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Clumping sotol growing eventually to 6 feet with three foot long narrow leaves which form a dense evergreen mound. White flowers held well above foliage in summer. Full sun, a little summer water. Hardy to 0F if planted in well-drained soil. USDA zone 7.

By: Cistus Nursery

Full Sun to Partial Shade. Outdoor. Greenish.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Nolinas are members of the Agave family & native to the Southwestern U.S. Often very stunning & easy to grow, they’re heat & drought tolerant, evergreen, deer proof, not fussy about soil & hardy down to 10 degrees F. So why are they so little known? “Basket Grass” makes a very handsome landscaping plant, forming a striking clump to 4’ tall of gracefully arched, tough, evergreen leaves, ½” wide & 4’ long (without spines). In May-June, it sends up a dense, plume-like, blooming stalk that can reach 8’ tall. The flowers are tiny & cream-pink. Native to dry, rocky slopes, Nolina microcarpa needs no Summer water once established. The leaves were used by Native Americans for weaving baskets & mats.