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Texas Beargrass

Nolina texana

Last reviewed: July 2026

Nolina texana (Texas Beargrass) is a drought-tolerant evergreen succulent native to Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Oklahoma. It produces white flower clusters from March through August, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

Texas Beargrass (Nolina texana)
Photo: (c) Alison Northup, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alison Northup

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

18"–30" H × 72"–72" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CO, NM, OK, TX

Pollinators

butterflies, hummingbirds, nectar insects

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 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Texas Beargrass forms a striking architectural clump of narrow, blue-green leaves that arch gracefully from the center. This drought-tolerant native produces tall spikes of creamy white flowers from spring through summer, creating a bold focal point in xeriscape gardens.

Growing Texas Beargrass

Grow Texas Beargrass in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 18 to 30 inches tall and spread 72 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Texas Beargrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.

  • Spread too large for structured beds

Wildlife value

The long blooming period attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial nectar insects from spring through late summer. The evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and shelter for small wildlife.

Common questions

When does Texas Beargrass bloom?
Nolina texana blooms from March through August, producing tall stalks with clusters of small white flowers.
What pollinators visit Texas Beargrass?
Texas Beargrass attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and various nectar-feeding insects to its flowering stalks.
Where is Texas Beargrass native?
This plant is native to Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Oklahoma, typically growing in arid and semi-arid regions.
How much water does Texas Beargrass need?
Texas Beargrass is extremely drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping.
Is Texas Beargrass HOA-friendly?
Texas Beargrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Texas Beargrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz