Peninsular beargrass
Nolina cismontana
Last reviewed: September 2026
Peninsular beargrass (Nolina cismontana) is a perennial succulent native to CA. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees and moths.
Toxicity unknown
Peninsular beargrass (Nolina cismontana) 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"–48" H × 36"–60" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, moths
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A rosette-forming evergreen succulent shrub with long, narrow, grass-like leaves radiating from a woody base, topped in early summer by a tall plume of small cream flowers. Holds a clean, architectural fountain shape on rocky chaparral slopes.
Growing Peninsular beargrass
Grow Peninsular beargrass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 36 to 60 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The large bloom stalk provides abundant nectar for bees and night-flying moths during its bloom period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Peninsular beargrass need?
- Peninsular beargrass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Peninsular beargrass bloom?
- Peninsular beargrass blooms in May and June.
- Where is Peninsular beargrass native?
- Peninsular beargrass (Nolina cismontana) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Peninsular beargrass attract?
- Peninsular beargrass draws bees and moths.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Peninsular beargrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.