Lindheimer's Nolina

Nolina lindheimeriana

Devil's shoestring prefers the limestone hills and ravines in the lightly wooded eastern half of the Edwards Plateau, where it is endemic (native only to a particular area). The inflorescence becomes borne on a stout stem three or more feet above the mound of thin, flat leaves. The 12- to 36-inches-long by 1/2-inch-wide graceful leaves are minutely sawtoothed along the margin.

Its purplish-tinged, somewhat inflated, but relatively thin fruit becomes notched at each end. Devil's shoestring would be an excellent choice in a landscape as a focal point or ground cover for dry, shaded spots on well-drained soils.