How much sun does Britton's bear-grass need?

Britton's bear-grass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Britton's bear-grass bloom?

Britton's bear-grass blooms in April and May.

Where is Britton's bear-grass native?

Britton's bear-grass (Nolina brittoniana) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Britton's bear-grass attract?

Britton's bear-grass draws native bees.

Britton's bear-grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Nolina brittoniana

Last reviewed: September 2026

Britton's bear-grass (Nolina brittoniana) is a perennial succulent native to FL. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw native bees.

Toxicity unknown

Britton's bear-grass (Nolina brittoniana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–60" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

Pollinators

native bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Coastal Plain

A rare, drought-tolerant perennial forming a dense rosette of long, stiff, grass-like leaves from a woody base. A tall flower stalk with a large plume of small cream-white flowers rises above the foliage in spring. Holds a bold, sculptural, well-defined form.

Growing Britton's bear-grass

Grow Britton's bear-grass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its large flower plumes provide nectar and pollen for native bees in scrub habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Britton's bear-grass need?: Britton's bear-grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Britton's bear-grass bloom?: Britton's bear-grass blooms in April and May.
Where is Britton's bear-grass native?: Britton's bear-grass (Nolina brittoniana) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Britton's bear-grass attract?: Britton's bear-grass draws native bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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Ready to grow Britton's bear-grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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