Bear Grass – Desert Horizon Nursery

Bear Grass

Nolina microcarpa
Categories:
Shrubs  ·  
Shrubs
Light
Full sun
Water
Water moderately during establishment, keeping soil lightly moist but never saturated. Established plants tolerate seasonal dryness in their native climate, but not reliably Phoenix's extreme heat and drought.
Size
3-4 ft tall × 4-6 ft wide (flower stalks taller)
Habit
Clumping grass
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets & Livestock
Description
A western North American evergreen perennial with dense tufts of narrow, grasslike leaves and tall stalks of creamy-white flowers. Despite its common name, it is not a true grass. Poorly suited to Phoenix’s prolonged desert heat.
Bloom Time
Spring
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Architectural Form, Showy Flowers
Growth Rate
Slow
Growth Habit
Clumping grass
Mature Size
3-4 ft tall × 4-6 ft wide (flower stalks taller)
Flower Color
Creamy white
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape Use
Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Specimen / Accent
Garden Style
Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape
Soil
Amended / Rich, Prefers Acidic, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Common yarrow
Toxic — Pets & Livestock
Buds and fruit toxic to livestock (sheep, goats, cattle)
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to partial shade in cool climates. In Phoenix, provide morning sun, afternoon shade, and protection from reflected heat; even sheltered plants may struggle.

Water: Water moderately during establishment, keeping soil lightly moist but never saturated. Established plants tolerate seasonal dryness in their native climate, but not reliably Phoenix’s extreme heat and drought.

Soil: Well-drained, rocky or sandy soil, preferably acidic to neutral. Phoenix’s alkaline soils are often unsuitable; use an amended, freely draining container mix for experimental cultivation.

Mature size: Foliage typically 1–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; flowering stalks reach approximately 4–6 feet.

Bloom: Late spring through summer in suitable climates. Mature rosettes flower irregularly, often with several years between flowering; flowering in Phoenix is unreliable.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Slow; plants can take several years to establish and reach flowering maturity.