Nolina texana

Also Known As

Bear Grass

Plant type

cactus / succulent, grass / grass like

size

H: 4'-5'
W: 4'

planting zones

7a-11

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Nolina texana plant details

Nolina texana is an evergreen cactus / succulent or grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In summer cream flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Nolina texana

Plant type: cactus / succulent or grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: agavaceae, asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT wide, 4 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: cream blooms in summer
Uses: textural

GROWING CONDITIONS for Nolina texana

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: occasional
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A big, 4 foot by 4 foot mass of very narrow, grass-like leaves with large spikes of very showy white flowers. Very showy and cool, and out west where they can be kept very dry, even hardy to zone 5, though it doesn't have a chance in our wet winters.

By: Arrowhead Alpines

A fantastic grass substitute for hot, dry areas! This relative of the Yucca from Texas & the Southwest is much loved for its wiry, grass-like, evergreen foliage & for its cold-hardiness, down to -15? F. The foliage arches up while young & with age, forms a long, weeping mound, 2’ tall x 3’ wide. The Yucca-like, flowering panicles are 12”-24”, creamy white & appear nestled in the leaves. VERY HEAT & DROUGHT TOLERANT, though ours has also done very well here at the nursery in shade with daily watering. Outstanding in containers, on slopes where its long foliage can drape or around pools. Does well in POOR, draining soil.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

A bigger, bolder version of the somewhat more common and varied N. microcarpa. This Texas native grows to a bold textured 5 ft with deep green arching leaves and creamy white flower spikes rising to 8 ft or more in spring and summer. Exceedingly drought tolerant but a little summer water would increase its growth rate. Sun to dappled shade. Frost hardy to about 0F, USDA zone 7, or even a little below.