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Bigelow's desertgrass

Scientific Name: Blepharidachne bigelovii

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Bigelow's Desert Grass (Blepharidachne bigelovii) and Bigelow's Nolina (Nolina bigelovii)

This page explores two distinct plants referred to by the name "Bigelow": Bigelow's Desert Grass (Blepharidachne bigelovii) and Bigelow's Nolina (Nolina bigelovii). Both are found in desert environments but belong to different plant families.

Bigelow's Desert Grass (Blepharidachne bigelovii)

Bigelow's desert grass is an annual grass found in arid regions.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:
  • Scientific Name: Blepharidachne bigelovii
  • Synonym: Blepharidachne bigelovii (S. Watson) Hack.
  • Family: Grass
Distribution and Habitat:
  • Found in roadsides, disturbed areas, arroyos, and washes.
  • Adapted to the extremes of heat and aridity in desert environments.
Morphological Characteristics:
  • Life Form: Annual grass
  • Leaves: Grasslike
  • Flower Color: Green
  • Spines: Spineless

Bigelow's Nolina (Nolina bigelovii)

Bigelow's Nolina, also known as Bigelow's Beargrass, is a yucca-like plant found in desert areas.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:
  • Scientific Name: Nolina bigelovii
  • Common Names: Bigelow's Nolina, Bigelow Beargrass, Desert Nolina, Bigelow's Bear-Grass, Beargrass.
  • Family: Nolinaceae (Beargrass Family)
Distribution and Habitat:
  • Native to desert areas.
  • Grows in the driest desert areas and at elevations up to 1,500 meters (4,900 ft).
  • Found in the Upper Sonoran (Mojave Desert Scrub) life zone.
Morphological Characteristics:
  • Yucca-like plant with long, slender, sword-like but flexible leaves.
  • Leaves are often clustered at ground level.
Considerations for Pets and Children
  • Bigelow's Nolina is described as having long, slender, sword-like leaves, which could pose a risk of cuts or scratches if handled carelessly.
Further Information:
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Dave's Garden
  • The Desert Northwest