Beargrass
Nolina microcarpa
A graceful native grass-like accent that softens harsh desert hardscape with its flowing cascade of narrow leaves.
Cold hardy into the teens °F, USDA 9-11; a low- and mid-desert Southwest native.
AMWUA Notes
Native, low-water grass-like accent that softens hardscape with minimal care.
Care Guide
Water established plants monthly; drought tolerant and best with deep, infrequent soaks.
Comb out or remove dead leaves occasionally; no shaping needed.
Not necessary in native soil.
Pest-free and very tough.
Cold hardy into the teens °F; evergreen, fine-textured and low-litter year-round.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Fast-draining decomposed granite or gritty mineral soil; low organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Division or seed
4 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; soft leaves are safe near pools and paths
Placement Tips
- •Use to soften boulders and hardscape or as a grassy accent.
- •Soft leaves are safe near pools, paths and play areas.
- •Give it 4 ft of room.
- •Plant in fast-draining soil.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Beargrass. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Beargrass — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Beargrass need in Phoenix?
Beargrass is a low-water accent plant once established. Water established plants monthly; drought tolerant and best with deep, infrequent soaks. Native, low-water grass-like accent that softens hardscape with minimal care.
How big does Beargrass get?
Expect roughly 3 ft tall and 4 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 4 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; soft leaves are safe near pools and paths.
Can you plant Beargrass near a pool?
Yes. Beargrass is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Beargrass handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Beargrass is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Cold hardy into the teens °F, USDA 9-11; a low- and mid-desert Southwest native. Cold hardy into the teens °F; evergreen, fine-textured and low-litter year-round.
Does Beargrass have thorns?
No. Beargrass is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Beargrass safe around pets?
Beargrass is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Beargrass bloom in Arizona?
Beargrass blooms in late spring-summer, with pale green flowers.
How much maintenance does Beargrass need?
Beargrass is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Comb out or remove dead leaves occasionally; no shaping needed.
What kind of soil does Beargrass need?
Fast-draining decomposed granite or gritty mineral soil; low organic matter. It needs no supplemental feeding. Not necessary in native soil.
Is Beargrass native to Arizona?
Yes. Beargrass is native to Arizona and to the Southwestern US and Northern Mexico, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.