Remarks

Texas beargrass is a grass-like perennial evergreen plant native in rocky and limestone soils from central Texas to the upper Rio Grande Plains and west to the Trans-Pecos and into S.E. Arizona. Not a true grass, Texas sacahuista is a member of the lily (Liliaceae ) family. It flowers in Amarillo in early April. A short flowering stem barely rises above the many thin leaves. The flowers appear rose or reddish on the outside before opening,  are numerous, white to cream colored forming dense vertical clusters.

Sacahuista is derived from two Aztec words meaning thorn grass: zacatl (grass) and huitztli (thorn). The long thin and strong leaves can be used in basketmaking. It is the larval host plant for Atea hairstreak butterfly and Sandia hairstreak butterfly, and is a nectar source for butterflies.

Use in Garden

Texas Sacahuiste should be used ina xeriscape or native plant gardens, cactus, habitat and butterfly gardens. Useful southwest evergreen for winter interest and for planting on cliffs and overhangs. Will grow well even in a mostly shades area.

Maintenance

Very low maintenance and water usage. Will easily grow in poor alkaline soils to regular garden soil.