The Story
Plant Bio
Nolina parryi, commonly known as Parry's beargrass, is a hardy, evergreen perennial with slender, grass-like leaves forming dense clumps and tall flowering stalks bearing clusters of small, cream-colored flowers.
This species is highly drought-tolerant and well-suited for xeriscaping, with distinctive fibrous leaf bases that add ornamental texture and a graceful, architectural silhouette.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
48 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Southwestern US and Baja California, Mexico
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a sunny, well-drained location.
- Tuck seeds or plant cuttings in spring or early summer.
- Water sparingly until established, then reduce frequency.
- Mist cuttings to encourage rooting, about 6 weeks.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season.
- Transplant in early spring if needed for better growth.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply but infrequently 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune dead leaves in winter
Don't
- Overwater during winter ❌
- Plant in poorly-drained soil ❌
- Neglect pruning
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Parry's Nolina questions
What zones can Parry's Nolina grow in?
Parry's Nolina is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Parry's Nolina deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Parry's Nolina, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Parry's Nolina bloom?
Parry's Nolina typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Parry's Nolina need full sun?
Parry's Nolina does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Parry's Nolina drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Parry's Nolina handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Nolina to compare
Sacahuista Beargrass
Nolina microcarpa
Nelson's Beargrass
Nolina nelsonii
Mexican Grass Tree
Nolina longifolia
Mexican Beargrass
Nolina hibernica 'La Pe'
Foothill Beargrass
Nolina erumpens
Tufted Beargrass
Nolina cespitifera
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Parry's Nolina with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.