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Native Plant Database

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Nolina erumpens (Foothill beargrass)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Nolina erumpens (Torr.) S. Wats.

Foothill beargrass, Mesa sacahuista

Liliaceae (Lily Family)

USDA Symbol: NOER

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The large, woody basal stems of foothill bear-grass grow in a clump and produce long, course-bladed, yucca-like leaves. A 4-8 ft. flower stalk, partially or entirely enclosed within the foliage, bears flowers in a large, rosy cluster.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: TX
Native Distribution: S.c. & w. TX to n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Brushland arroyos & rocky places in Trans-Pecos
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Limestone or clayey, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Can get too big and aggressive for small sites. Drought-tolerant.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Used as foundation for baskets.
Use Wildlife: Hiding and nesting for birds.
Use Medicinal: Used for Soap.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds

Propagation

Description: Take individual offshoots from mature plants in winter. Plant seeds in cold frame or greenhouse in late January (cool weather). Seedlings do best if transplanted into 4-6 inch pots and given light shade the first season.
Seed Collection: Collect seeds when pod or capsule begins to dry. Spread seeds in thin layer and dry at room temperature. Store in sealed, refrigerated containers from up to one year.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Sibley Nature Center - Midland, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX

Bibliography

Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Nolina erumpens in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Nolina erumpens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Nolina erumpens

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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