Nolina nelsonii, commonly known as Blue Nolina, is a perennial, arborescent plant native to the rocky limestone canyons and arid montane regions of Tamaulipas, Mexico. It is a member of the Asparagaceae family, closely related to agaves and yuccas. Blue Nolina develops a thick, woody trunk that can reach several meters in height, and is particularly noted for its dense rosettes of bluish-green, linear leaves with finely toothed margins. The plant is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female, with showy, white-flowered inflorescences that appear in the spring and can reach up to 4 meters tall, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Blue Nolina is highly valued for its drought tolerance and ornamental qualities, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens in regions with arid climates. It is also suitable for container planting, given its striking form and foliage color. This species is cold-hardy to at least 10°F (-12°C), allowing it to be grown in USDA hardiness zones 7b and above. While it is generally low-maintenance, it requires well-draining soil and full sun exposure to thrive. After the plant blooms, the main trunk dies back, but new lateral trunks emerge, ensuring the plant’s continued growth and longevity. Gardeners should be aware that overwatering can lead to root rot, and the sharp leaf margins may require caution during handling.CC BY-SA 4.0