Compact clumping growth: Fits easily in borders, slopes, and small gardens without crowding walkways
Evergreen fine-textured blades: Adds year-round green color and naturalistic texture to landscapes
Drought-tolerant after establishment: Requires very little supplemental irrigation once established, saving water and maintenance
Attracts pollinators: Produces cream-colored flower spikes that draw birds and pollinators to the garden
Reflective heat tolerance: Thrives in full sun and hot Phoenix conditions, performing well on south-facing slopes and with rock mulch
Summarized by Shop
Arizona's Best Native Border & Accent Plant — Bear Grass
Bear Grass (Nolina microcarpa) is the essential low-maintenance native accent plant for Phoenix desert landscapes. Its graceful, clumping fountain of fine-textured blades adds naturalistic texture and year-round green color to any planting — thriving on virtually zero water once
Scientific Name
Nolina microcarpa
Mature Height
3-5 feet
Bloom Spikes Height
6-8 feet
Growth Rate
Moderate (6-12 inches per year in Phoenix)
USDA Hardiness Zones
5a-11b
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Watering
Very low once established; survives on rainfall alone
