Nolina bigelovii

Photographs

My photos:

This plant was found in Joshua Tree in March.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Agavaceae

In the garden:

Nolina bigelovii is a perennial with a yucca-like aspect with the stem forming a thick woody trunk, which may be underground. This trunk is much branched and topped with herbaceous stems. Overall, it may reach the size of a 5 foot sphere (somewhat in the shape of a sea urchin). The leaves are flat, with shredding brown fibers on the margins. Leaf bases are at least one inch across. Flowers are borne on a tall spike, from 3 to 9 feet above the plant, which forms a dense panicle of spectacular yellowing or creamy white masses in spring. This is a desert plant, likes it hot, sunny and dry.

In the wild:

Nolina bigelovii is native to southeastern California, Western Arizona and Northern Baja. Found on dry slopes below 3000 feet.

Ethnobotany:

The flower stalk was used for food and the leaves for basketry by the Cahuilla native people.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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