Nolina

Nolina is a small genus of Agave relatives native mostly from southwestern USA and Mexico. The genus is named after C.P. Nolin, an 18th century French agricultural writer. They have rosettes with hundreds of leaves, either stemless or at the top of a woody trunk up to 15 feet tall (4.5 m). Nolinas are xerophytes, generally not considered succulents.

Nolinas are dioecious (there are male and female plants). They produce large quantities of tiny cream-colored flowers on a paniculate inflorescence. Flowers are followed by tiny 2 or 3-seeded fruit that open and drop their seeds when ripe. Nolina do not die after blooming like Agave would.

All Nolinas tolerate at least 20°F (-7°C) and often much colder temperatures.

Species and varieties
Nolina matapensis (Tree Beargrass)
Nolina microcarpa (Beargrass, Sawgrass, Sacahuista)
Nolina recurvata (Ponytail Palm, Bottle Palm) synonym of Beaucarnea recurvata

© 2004 Philippe Faucon, All Rights Reserved.