Nolina lindheimeriana is the devil’s shoestring of the Texas Hill Country — the largest of the clump-forming nolinas, producing massive mounds of shiny green, arching leaves up to 1.2–1.8 m (4–6 ft) tall and wide, topped in spring by cream-coloured flower stalks that can exceed 1.8 m (6 ft). Endemic to the Edwards Plateau of south-central Texas, it is one of the most ornamental acaulescent nolinas and the best choice for gardeners seeking a bold, evergreen, grass-like accent in limestone landscapes.
Taxonomy and nomenclature
Described by Scheele, transferred to Nolina by Watson. Family Asparagaceae, subfamily Nolinoideae. Named after Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer, the “father of Texas botany.” Synonyms include Dasylirion lindheimerianum and Beaucarnea lindheimeriana. POWO gives the native range as central Texas.
Common names
Devil’s shoestring, ribbon grass, Lindheimer’s beargrass, Lindheimer’s nolina (English).
Morphological description
Habit
A large, perennial, evergreen, clump-forming subshrub. The biggest of the acaulescent nolinas. Cistus Nursery describes it as “one of the largest clump forming Nolina, this evergreen grass-like can produce 4–6′ tall × wide.” Central Texas Gardener warns that the listed size of “two feet tall and wide” is “very deceiving” — including flower stalks, the plant can approach 3 m (10 ft).
Leaves
Flat, narrow (approximately 12 mm / ½ in. wide), shiny green, arching, with fine saw-toothed edges that “can cut skin” — hence the common name “devil’s shoestring.” Leaf tips are filliferous (thread-tipped). Length up to 90 cm (3 ft). The foliage is shinier and broader than that of Nolina texana, with a more yucca-like appearance.
Inflorescence and flowering
Flower stalks rise well above the foliage (a key distinction from Nolina texana), reaching 90–180+ cm (3–6+ ft). Male flowers are cream; female flowers cream to chartreuse. Dioecious (but with some perfect flowers). Fruits are attractive, purplish-tinged, inflated, papery, winged capsules. The Native Plant Society of Texas reports plants producing up to eight flower stalks simultaneously. Blooms March–June.
Distribution and natural habitat
Endemic to the Edwards Plateau region of south-central Texas. Grows on limestone hills and in ravines, in lightly wooded areas. The Backyard Nature newsletter describes finding it “beneath scrubby Ashe Junipers at the edge of a limestone ledge.” Flora of North America notes it is “quite infrequent and becoming more so as its habitat is destroyed through development or overgrazing.” Cistus Nursery also identifies a separate source from the Big Bend National Park region of south-western Texas.
Cultivation guide
| Hardiness | −12 to −15 °C / 5–10 °F (USDA zone 7b) |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade (shade-tolerant for a nolina) |
| Soil | Well-drained; limestone, alkaline, clay-tolerant |
| Water | Low; benefits from occasional summer water |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Flowering | March–June; stalks well above foliage; cream to chartreuse |
Light requirements
Full sun to partial shade. One of the few nolinas that performs well in part shade — reflecting its natural habitat under open Ashe juniper woodland canopy.
Soil and drainage
Limestone-based, alkaline soil is ideal. The Native Plant Society of Texas confirms it prefers “the limestone hills and ravines of the eastern half of the Edwards Plateau.” Notably, Dave’s Garden notes it “adapts to a wide variety of soil types” including clay — a rare tolerance among nolinas — provided drainage is adequate.
Watering
Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Cistus Nursery notes it “loves occasional summer water, otherwise quite drought tolerant.”
Cold hardiness
Cistus Nursery rates it as “resistant to heat and cold to at least 5–10 degrees F” and USDA zone 7b. This makes it one of the more cold-tolerant acaulescent species, though not as hardy as Nolina greenei or Nolina microcarpa.
Landscape use
An outstanding evergreen accent for limestone landscapes, Hill Country gardens, dry borders and native plant gardens. The large, arching mound provides bold textural contrast with cacti, agaves, yuccas and native grasses. Dave’s Garden recommends it “as an accent plant or groundcover for areas with dry well-drained soil” and notes it works well “in partial shade instead of invasive vinca.” Deer-resistant (except during severe drought, when deer may browse young flower stalks). The Native Plant Society of Texas calls it an “excellent” choice for native landscaping.
Caution: sharp leaf edges
The fine saw-teeth on the leaf margins can inflict painful cuts. Central Texas Gardener warns: “if you’re putting it near a sidewalk, don’t put it very close.” Site away from high-traffic areas.
Ethnobotany
The leaves have been used for basketry and other fibre applications, consistent with other nolina species. Like other nolinas, the species is reported as toxic to livestock, particularly sheep.
Propagation
Seed: germinate at 20–25 °C.
Division: root division of established clumps. The Native Plant Society of Texas lists both methods.
Pests and diseases
Root rot in waterlogged soil. Otherwise essentially trouble-free. Deer-resistant. Verticillium wilt resistant.
References
POWO (2026). Nolina lindheimeriana. Plants of the World Online, Kew.
Native Plant Society of Texas: Nolina lindheimeriana.