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Bear Grass

Nolina parryi

false

1 gallon

Bear Grass

Out of stock

4'x4'

Sizes:

Bear Grass - Nolina parryi

Native to California’s dry mountain slopes, Bear Grass grows similarly to yuccas or agaves but without the razor-sharp leaves. This clumping plant may develop multiple tufts and produces a stunning flower spike that can reach up to 8 feet tall. The spike features clusters of creamy, tubular blooms emerging from showy, papery bracts. Unlike agave, Bear Grass does not die after flowering, making it a durable and elegant addition to native landscapes.

Drought tolerant, Bear Grass benefits from supplemental summer watering in low desert gardens, reflecting the monsoonal rains it receives in its native habitat. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, offering structural interest with its long, arching leaves and dramatic floral display.

Wildlife Value
Bear Grass provides nectar to a range of pollinators including native bees, hummingbirds (Anna’s Calypte anna and Costa’s Calypte costae), and moths. Its tall flower stalks serve as important feeding sites for these species during bloom. Additionally, its dense, tufted foliage offers shelter for small desert animals.

Nectar Source: Anna’s (C. anna), Costa’s (C. costae); native bees; White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata)

Bird Resources: Nectar; shelter

Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Bees: native (general)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

4'x4'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

White

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

25 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.