Sacahuista or Beargrass

Sacahuista (Nolina microcarpa), also called beargrass and palmilla, forms an evergreen fountain of narrow, arching leaves with curly fibers at their tips. Mature plants send up tall summer stalks of small white flowers and bring year-round structure to dry, sunny landscapes. ## Foliage and flowers The Santa Fe Botanical Garden describes Nolina microcarpa as a deep-rooted southwestern species with serrated, grasslike leaves. It reports mature plants about 6–7 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide, with white flower panicles in early to midsummer. Plants vary in habit, and the existing catalog size range is retained. ## Siting and water Site in full sun or partial shade in sandy, well-drained soil. The species is adapted to arid conditions and needs little supplemental water once established; avoid frequent irrigation and poorly drained ground. Its evergreen rosette works as a focal accent, in a dry garden, or among other plants needing open, sharply drained soil. The flower stalks provide nectar for hummingbirds, while birds may feed on the seeds. ## Maintenance Choose a location with room for the mature clump and flower stalks. Remove old or damaged leaves and spent stalks as needed, using care around the sharply toothed leaf margins. [Santa Fe Botanical Garden's Nolina microcarpa profile](https://visitsfbg.org/april-2017/) provides species-specific size, habitat, flower and wildlife details; the [Royal Horticultural Society profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/11540/nolina-microcarpa/details) confirms the botanical identity and genus habit.