Nightblooming Hesperaloe
Hesperaloe nocturna
Family: Asparagaceae
This evergreen plant forms a dense rosette of narrow, grasslike leaves up to 4 feet long. They are deeply channeled, with fine white threads along the margins. Its is a summer bloomer, producing small greenish-lavender flowers on a 12 foot tall stalk. The flowers open at night.
Photo by Mountain States Wholesale Nursery
Hesperaloe nocturna on iNaturalist
Plant in full to part sun, even reflective heat is tolerated. Low water when established, though a drink once or twice a month keeps plants looking good. Cold hardy, to 0°F.
Plants are attractive to hummingbirds and other nectar-seeking birds, insects, etc. If you don’t want to expensively feed javalinas, protect these plants as they are loved by them. The dried, leftover stems of Hesperaloe are used by some solitary bee species for larval nests.
Hesperaloe are a good choice for people who don’t like spikey plants, since the stems are softer and relatively harmless.
The genus Hesperaloe is derived from the Greek word hesperos, meaning "western," and aloe. The species epitaph, nocturna, means nocturnal referring to the night-blooming nature of the species.
Native to Sonora, Mexico in desert and dry scrubland.