Plant Name:  Beargrass

Botanical Name:  Nolina microcarpa
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Native Name:  Possibly referred to as Kuku’ul.  The Nolina plant used by the Cahuillan was Nolina Bigelovii, however, nolina microcarpa could have been used in the same way.
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Height/Physical Description:  It is 3 feet in height and is clumping as wide as 6 feet. Thin, dark green leaves.  Flower stalks in Spring or Summer.
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Use:  Food, medicinal, basketry.  Food:  edible flower stalks.  Medicinal:  roots may have anti-inflammatory properties.  Twine:  Curly thin strings form on leaves.
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Note:  This is one of the original plants placed in the garden when it was first called our Southwestern Wild Edible Garden.  It is not on the Tribal list and it is unknown whether it was used by our local tribes.
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Harvesting:  Spring or Summer when the plant forms flower stalks.
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Preparation:  Parboil stalks, chop then roast.