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Habitat

Form

Agavaceae, Nolinaceae, Liliaceae

Texas sacahuista inhabits the rocky soils of various habitats including hills, brushy areas and grasslands from Central Texas, throughout most of the Trans-Pecos and into Northern Mexico. It is the most commonly grown Nolina species, appreciated for its wiry, grass-like, evergreen foliage which echoes the form of agaves and yuccas, and for its winter hardiness. It may also be used on dry slopes and to accent limestone boulders, or in lightly shaded spots in wooded areas. The Texas sacahuista has numerous 2- to 4-foot-long thin leaves which cover the ground. They are smooth or only slightly rough, with widely spaced teeth on the margins. There may be several or only one flowering stem, rather short, 12 to 24 inches long, bearing large panicles of creamy white flowers nestled inside the leaves. Native Americans used the leaves or the fibers from the leaves for weaving baskets and mats. Experts believe that the taxonomy, ecology and exact distribution of the Trans-Pecos Nolinas are in need of further study.

Plant Habit or Use: groundcover
small shrub

Exposure: sun
partial sun
shade

Flower Color: white; creamy white to greenish white

Blooming Period: spring
summer

Fruit Characteristics: inflated capsule

Height: 1.5 to 2.5 feet

Width: 3 to 4 feet

Plant Character: evergreen

Heat Tolerance: very high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: neutral
alkaline

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7

Additional Comments: Nolinas are polygamo-dioecious: That is, usually they have male and female flowers on separate plants, but each plant also has a few perfect flowers (male and female flower parts on one flower).