Nolina bigelovii (Torr.) S. Watson

Bigelow’s nolina, beargrass

Bigelow’s nolina is a perennial native to the southwestern United States, and to northwestern Mexico.

Plants: Usually a hemispherical “pin cushion” of sharp leaves on the ground, but older plants have a trunk and may branch, and can reach up to 7′ (2.1 m) in height. Including the dramatic flowering stalks, plants can reach 12′ (3.7 m) in height.

Leaves: A large basal rosette with 34-160 swordlike leaves. Each leaf is 4″ (10 cm) wide at the base, quickly reducing to 1″ (2.5 cm) or less as it tapers to a sharp tip. They are 1½–5′ (50–150 cm) long, green, and glaucous—covered with a waxy, bluish-gray surface. Young leaves have finely toothed edges; older leaves shred to produce coiled fibers.

Flowers: Flowerheads emerge on stalks up to 12′ (3.7 m) tall. Inflorescences are huge compound panicles of green- or violet-tinged white, cream, or tan flowers. Flowers appear from May to June.

Fruits: Winged thin-walled capsules ¼–⅜ ⨉ ¼–⅜″ (8–12 ⨉ 8–12 mm). Seeds are 1/16–⅛″ (2.5–3.5 mm) long.

Habitats: They appear in scattered groups on rocky ridges, hillsides, and canyons. They favor dry deserts, at elevations of 984–4921′ (300–1500 m).

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Nolina bigelovii description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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