Tree Bear Grass

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 15 feet
Spread: 
Flower Color: blue-green to gray-green
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Tree Bear Grass (Nolina matapensis) – Unique, Drought-Tolerant Evergreen for Arizona Landscapes

Add an architectural statement to your Phoenix Valley garden with Tree Bear Grass, a remarkable evergreen perennial known for its tree-like form and striking rosettes of blue-green leaves. Scientifically referred to as Nolina matapensis, this native of northeastern Mexico’s Sierra Madre Oriental offers a unique alternative to yucca and agave, with its graceful, flexible leaves and robust woody trunk. Perfect for xeriscapes, rock gardens, and desert-themed landscapes, Tree Bear Grass combines beauty with drought tolerance, making it an ideal choice for Arizona’s arid climate.

Key Features of Tree Bear Grass

Tree Bear Grass can reach heights of 15 feet or more, forming dense rosettes of narrow, recurved leaves that add dramatic texture and interest to any landscape. Its blue-green to gray-green leaves can extend several feet in length, creating a stunning, fountain-like appearance that enhances desert and water-wise gardens. Unlike many spiky desert plants, Tree Bear Grass’s leaves lack sharp tips, making it a safer option for high-traffic areas in the garden.

Adapted to full sun, Tree Bear Grass thrives in well-draining soil and requires minimal water once established. Its extreme drought tolerance makes it ideal for Phoenix Valley’s dry climate, allowing it to flourish with minimal care. With its slow-growing nature, this plant offers year-round beauty and architectural presence without demanding frequent maintenance.

A Water-Wise Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

Tree Bear Grass’s low water needs and drought resilience make it a valuable addition to Arizona’s water-conscious landscapes. This hardy plant provides evergreen structure and textural contrast with minimal watering, supporting sustainable gardening practices in Phoenix Valley.

Versatile Uses for Tree Bear Grass in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Focal Point or Specimen Plant: Tree Bear Grass’s unique form makes it a perfect focal point or standalone specimen, adding visual impact and architectural interest to dry gardens and desert-themed landscapes.

• Rock Gardens and Xeriscapes: Adapted to arid environments, Tree Bear Grass thrives in rock gardens and xeriscapes, blending beautifully with succulents, cacti, and other low-water plants.

• Mixed Borders and Succulent Gardens: Its graceful leaves and striking trunk provide contrast and structure in mixed borders, complementing the diverse textures of succulents and drought-tolerant perennials.

• Large Container Planting: With its slow growth and striking form, Tree Bear Grass can be planted in large containers, offering flexibility and control over its size, especially in smaller garden spaces.

Care Tips for Growing Tree Bear Grass in Phoenix Valley

Plant Tree Bear Grass in full sun with well-draining soil to ensure optimal growth. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system; afterward, it requires minimal supplemental watering. Given its eventual size, allow ample space for this plant to reach its full potential. Tree Bear Grass is a low-maintenance choice, making it ideal for busy gardeners seeking unique, water-wise plants that require little care beyond occasional pruning to remove dead leaves.

Why Tree Bear Grass is Perfect for Arizona Landscapes

Tree Bear Grass offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a distinctive, low-maintenance plant that provides structure and year-round interest. Its tolerance for drought, ability to thrive in poor soil, and unique tree-like appearance make it a versatile addition to desert gardens and xeriscapes. Whether used as a focal point, in mixed borders, or in large containers, Tree Bear Grass combines architectural elegance and resilience, enhancing Arizona gardens with its bold form and adaptability. For a sustainable, striking plant that thrives in warm climates, Tree Bear Grass is an exceptional choice.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Tree Bear Grass

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for optimal growth and to allow for their spreading form
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Tree Bear Grass is a self-supporting, clumping grass with tall, arching stems and requires no staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Tree Bear Grass is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks