Nolina cismontana, the peninsular beargrass, is a rare endemic of the coastal sage scrub and chaparral of southern California (Los Angeles and San Diego counties). Once considered a subspecies of Nolina parryi, it was elevated to full species status. The habitat it occupies — coastal sage scrub — is one of the most threatened plant communities in North America, with less than 15% of its original extent remaining.
Distribution and natural habitat
Southern California coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats, primarily in the Los Angeles and San Diego metropolitan areas. Fire-prone vegetation on nutrient-poor soils.
Conservation
Threatened by the same forces destroying all coastal sage scrub: urbanisation, habitat fragmentation and altered fire regimes. Not currently federally listed but a species of conservation concern.
References
POWO (2026). Nolina cismontana. Plants of the World Online, Kew.