Natural History

Bear Grass is a member of the nolina family (which also includes the Desert Spoon), though it resembles a large, tuft of coarse grass. The long leaves are rough and grow to a length of 4 feet, but lack the sharp spines which are present on other species of agave. The plant typically occupies rocky slopes and hillsides between 3000 - 6500 feet in elevation.

Bear Grass blooms in late spring, sending up a tall flower stalk which may grow as high as 8 feet. The stalk bears a dense plume of small white flowers.