Synonyms: Nolina
Common Name: Pony Tail

Now correctly called Nolina and native to Mexico, these succulent trees have large, swollen trunks, clusters of long, thin, linear leaves at the tips of the branches and sprays of whitish flowers. Rarely considered beautiful, these plants always attract interest.

Species

B. recurvata, the most commonly cultivated species, is capable of reaching 8 m (26 ft), although it generally grows to a much smaller height. The branching stems have long, flat leaves sprouting from the top. Mature plants produce a tall, branching flower spike of creamy yellow blooms. B. stricta grows to about 6 m (20 ft) and has blue-green foliage with rough, yellowish margins.

Cultivation

These frost-tender plants are generally grown as pot plants indoors or in a cool greenhouse. They need a well-drained, soil-based potting compost and maximum light. Water sparingly in winter. In frost-free climates, they make good specimen plants outdoors in a sunny, well-drained position. Propagation is from seed sown under glass.

Climate

Suitable for outdoor cultivation in zone 10.