The Blue Nolina is a slow-growing, evergreen succulent tree-like shrub that typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 feet but is often seen at 4 to 8 feet tall. It features dense rosettes with long, narrow, silvery blue-green leaves about 1 inch wide and 3 feet long. The leaves have finely toothed margins. In spring, mature plants produce a 4-foot-tall stalk bearing numerous small, lightly fragrant white flowers. After the flowering, the rosette dies and is replaced from below.

Nolina is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female flowers on different plants. This and its small flowers distinguish it from the similar-looking Yucca genus. It thrives in well-drained soil and should be planted in full sun to light shade. It requires infrequent or no irrigation and can tolerate temperatures below 0°F. This plant can make a stunning addition to a garden or container. Its slightly serrated leaf margins make it resistant to deer predation without harming gardeners.