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Native Plant Society of Texas

Devil's Shoestring

Nolina lindheimeriana

Other common name(s):

Ribbon Grass

Family:

Asparagaceae (Asparagus Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Edwards Plateau
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Cactus & Succulent

Height

1
to
3
ft.

Spread

4
to
5
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Rocky, Limestone, Calcareous, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Bees

Maintenance

Extremely drought tolerant. Winter-hardy. Makes a good evergreen accent shrub. Remove old or dead leaves from trunk for neater appearance if desired. Devil’s shoestring prefers the limestone hills and ravines, in the lightly wooded areas of the eastern half of the Edwards Plateau, where it is endemic. Propagation: root division, seed.

Comments

Blooms March-June. Resembles a large clump of grass. Leaves are long, flat, and narrow, with fine saw-toothed edges. Small, cream colored flowers appear on 1-3 foot tall spikes. The Fruit is a three-cornered, inflated capsule. Although still listed by some in the Liliaceae Family, the majority of botanical organizations now list it in the Asparagaceae Family.

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 48. 3) Wasowski and Wasowski, Native Texas Plants Landscaping Region by Region, 1991, pg. 253. 4) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=NOLI. 5) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Nolina+lindheimeriana&formsubmit=Search+Terms. 6) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=22319&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 7) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=503961#null, 8) Native and Adapted Landscape Plants, City of Austin and Texas A&M, 2014. 9) https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/nolinalindheimer.htm', 10) https://www.backyardnature.net/n/w/nolina-l.htm

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Use a well-draining seed starting mix and moisten thoroughly. Plant seeds about half an inch deep and cover lightly. Provide bottom heat (around 70-75°F) and bright indirect light. Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Once seedlings develop a few true leaves, thin them out to give each one enough space to grow. Look for seed pods turning brown and dry in late summer or fall. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-nolina-lindheimeriana/
Clump Division Using a sharp, sterilized knife, carefully divide the clumps, ensuring each section has a good root system. Plant each division in a well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly. Nolina lindheimeriana, true to its desert origins, can be a bit slow-growing. Don’t worry if your propagation efforts don’t show immediate results. Keep providing proper light, watering sparingly, and be patient. As your Nolina lindheimeriana matures, it may develop offsets or "pups" at the base. The ideal time for division is during the plant’s active growing season in spring or early summer. Carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring you don’t damage the roots. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-nolina-lindheimeriana/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason