View photos of the edible plant Nolina bigelovii (Bigelow’s nolina), profiled in Wild Edible Plants of California: Vol 1.
A passage from Wild Edible Plants of California (Vol 1):
Due to its array of medicinal saponins, Beargrass roots have potential antiinflammatory/anti–arthritic effects, similar to Yucca.
View photos of the edible and medicinal plant Nolina microcarpa (Beargrass), profiled in Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest, Sonoran Desert Food Plants, and Wild Edible Plants of New Mexico.
A passage from Medicinal Plants of American Southwest:
Through a related saponin content, Beargrass’s medicinal effect appears similar to (though weaker than) Butchers broom’s (Ruscus aculeatus). Applying the ointment, oil, or salve tends to improve varicosities, spider eins, associated leg heaviness, and edema. However, using Beargrass in this capacity is still a work in progress. Being a fairly new application for the plant, further study and application are needed.
A passage from Sonoran Desert Food Plants:
The immature flower stalk is a fair edible. Early in the season, clip the stalk at its base when 1’–2’ tall and still flexible. Peel the outer skin from the stalk and eat the center material as is, or if bitter, chop, boil, and rinse it with fresh water.
A passage from Wild Edible Plants of New Mexico:
The stalk can also be wrapped in foil and roasted over coals. As the stalk ages, it becomes more woody, bitter, and soapy. Desert spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri) can be collected and prepared the same way as Beargrass.
