NOLINA NELSONII

Botanical Name: Nolina nelsonii
Common Names: Nelson’s Beargrass, Blue Nolina
Mature Size: 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters) in height, 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; thrives in rocky, sandy, and poor substrates
Water Needs: Very low; highly drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Stiff, narrow, bluish-gray leaves with finely toothed edges, forming a dense, symmetrical rosette
Flowers: Tall, branched inflorescence (up to 10–15 feet / 3–4.5 meters) with creamy white flowers produced on mature plants
Growth Rate: Slow

Uses:
Ornamental Plant: Nolina nelsonii is valued for its bold, architectural shape and unique blue-gray foliage, making it ideal for xeriscapes, desert-themed gardens, and modern landscaping designs.

Xeriscaping: A top choice for water-wise gardens due to its exceptional drought tolerance and striking visual form.

Accent Plant: Serves as a dramatic focal point or structural element in rock gardens and arid landscapes.

Benefits:
Drought Resistance: Perfectly suited for dry, hot climates, requiring minimal water once established.
Low Maintenance: Tough and long-lived, it needs little care aside from occasional removal of spent leaves or flower stalks.
Wildlife Value: Its tall flower stalks attract pollinators, contributing to local biodiversity.
Long-Term Structure: Maintains its impressive form for many years, bringing lasting beauty to the landscape.

Nolina nelsonii is a striking and resilient succulent that combines beauty with hardiness. Its distinctive blue foliage and dramatic flowering habit make it a standout in any dry-climate garden. Easy to care for and ecologically valuable, it’s an ideal plant for sustainable and visually impactful landscapes.