Sacahuista
Nolina microcarpa
Last reviewed: August 2026
Sacahuista (Nolina microcarpa) is a perennial grass native to AZ, NM, TX. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Sacahuista (Nolina microcarpa) 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 × 36"–72" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, NM, TX
Pollinators
bees
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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An evergreen, grass-like perennial forming a dense clump of narrow, tough, arching leaves with finely serrated edges. Tall, plume-like flower spikes rise above the foliage in late spring, followed by papery seed capsules. Extremely drought tolerant once established and useful as a bold accent or foundation anchor in xeric plantings.
Growing Sacahuista
Grow Sacahuista in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sacahuista is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- serrated leaf edges can be a minor hazard close to walkways
Wildlife value
Nectar-rich flower spikes attract bees, and the dense evergreen clump offers cover for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sacahuista need?
- Sacahuista grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sacahuista bloom?
- Sacahuista blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Sacahuista native?
- Sacahuista (Nolina microcarpa) is native to AZ, NM, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Sacahuista attract?
- Sacahuista draws bees.
- Is Sacahuista HOA-friendly?
- Sacahuista is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Sacahuista? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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