Texas Wildbuds
Nolina lindheimeriana
(Devil’s Shoestring)
Pistillate flower, Nolina lindheimeriana, McKinney Falls State Park, Travis Co. 6083
Pistillate flower, Nolina lindheimeriana, McKinney Falls State Park, Travis Co. 6095
Staminate flower, Nolina lindheimeriana, McKinney Falls State Park, Travis Co. 6108
Staminate flower, Nolina lindheimeriana, McKinney Falls State Park, Travis Co. 6099
Nolina lindheimeriana, McKinney Falls State Park, Travis Co. 6031
Nolina lindheimeriana, McKinney Falls State Park, Travis Co. 6027
Nolina lindheimeriana, McKinney Falls State Park, Travis Co. 6857
| Scientific Name | Nolina lindheimeriana | USDA PLANTS Symbol | NOLI |
| Common Name | Devils Shoestring, Ribbon Grass | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 503961 |
| Family | Asparagaceae (Asparagus) | SEINet Reference |
Click Here |
| Description | Habitat: Rocky, limestone soils in open areas and open woods and scrublands. Plant: Large, perennial, evergreen plant with several basal rosettes with 100+ leaves forming a large, dense, rounded canopy to 28 inches tall and an inflorescences mostly protruding fully above from basal rosettes, up to 6-1/2 ft. tall; dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants). Leaves: Lax, grass-like linear evergreen blades, flat in cross-section, 12 to 35 inches long and less than 1/4-inch to almost 1/2-inch across; margins are serrulate, with many very small teeth; leaf blades on the inflorescence spike 10 to 24 inches long. Inflorescence: Open, usually simple panicle 12 to 40 inches long with speading primary branches about 5 inches long; many very small flowers; blossoms with 6 white tepals; flowers appear bisexual but are functionally unisexual; staminate (male) flowers are less than 0.2 inches across, have 6 stamens with white filaments, light yellow anthers and a white, non-functional pistil; pistillate (female) flowers are smaller, ~0.1-inch across or less with 6 non-functioning stamens and a functional, pale yellow-green pistil. Bloom Period: May to July. References: "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, Vascular Plants of Williamson County by A.C. Wilson and Flora of North America. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native Endemic |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2026
Every attempt is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information, but the completeness or accuracy of any information presented on this website cannot be guaranteed. I use authoritative references to insure high standards of accuracy and review and update the information frequently. Please contact me if you find errors.