Nolina cismontana

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Nolina cismontana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Liliales Family: Ruscaceae Genus: Nolina Species: N. cismontana
Binomial name
Nolina cismontana J.Dice

Nolina cismontana or chaparral beargrass is known from only four counties in California: Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County and Ventura County. Currently it is listed by the California Native Plant Society ([1])as 1B.2, and its California status is listed as S1.1. This plant was described after publication of the Jepson Manual and therefore can not be found under the specific genus. The Jepson online resource [2] shows that this plant is listed under N. parryi as an undescribed species and that it is under threat by urban development and habitat destruction.

[edit] Physical Description

An original description of this species is given in Novon 5:162(1995). Chaparral beargrass is typically found in dry, coastal chaparral scrub up to about 4000' elevation. The inflorescence is a panicle or raceme-like, which is found on a tall slender stalk arising from the center of the rosette. It blooms from early March to early June, with perianth parts 6 in 2 petal-like whorls, which are more or less white. The leaves of this plant are similar to all the other plants belonging to this genus in that they are densely rosetted, and silver in color.