1. * Bigelow Beargrass – Nolina bigelovii
(no-LIE-nuh big-el-OH-vee-eye )
Family: Ruscaceae (Ruscus Family) – formerly in Lilliaceae (Lily family)
Native to: Southeastern S. CA deserts to AZ, NV and Baja ; desert mountains, Mojave and Sonoran
Desert, slopes and canyons especially along the Colorado River in Creosote Bush Scrub from ~
1000-5000 ft elevation.
clumping perennial
mature height: 6-10 ft.
mature width: 3-5 ft.
Herbaceous to half-woody perennial that resembles a yucca or very large bunch grass. Leaves are
long (to several feet) and strap-like, in a basal rosette of up to 150 leaves around the thick stem.
Leaves do not have barbs or sharp tips – an advantage over the Yuccas & Agaves. A large, dramatic
plant that remains grass-like for many years before flowering.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in late spring/early summer – usually May or June. Mature plants produce
a stout flowering stalk rising 3-5 ft above the leaves. Clusters of pure- to creamy-white flowers are
sweetly scented. Clusters superficially look like Yucca – but more open and with smaller flowers.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Usually used in desert-themed gardens – appropriate for both Mojave and
Sonoran Desert collections.
Extremely showy and dramatic – would look nice with modern
architecture. Very drought tolerant, so could be used in any water-wise garden. Could probably
feature it in a large container – slow-growing. Native Californians baked and ate young flowering
stalks; leaves can be used for basketry (green or bleached).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Agaves, large grasses (like Pampas Grass).
Attracts: Excellent pollinator habitat plant: provides nectar & pollen.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun.
Any well-drained – sandy is excellent; pH 6.0-8.0.
Drought tolerant once established (Water Zone 1-2). Give one watering in August,
then none until the fall/winter rains.
None.
Inorganic mulch, if any.
Management:
Best if ignored and left to grow as it wishes. Remove spent flowering stalks.
Propagation: from seed: store cool; no pre-treatment for fresh in winter
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 13
by offsets: in winter
4/30/13
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