The native distribution of the genus includes most of Mexico and the southern regions of the United States.

In the past, many members of the Nolinoideae, including Nolina, were placed in the now defunct Ruscaceae family).

More recent molecular phylogenetic research found that Beaucarnea and Nolina are well supported by DNA and morphological evidence as being two distinct genera.

[11] Nolina are perennial plants, with some growing as tufts of leaves arising from near ground level with little or only a short above ground stem, whilst others grow in a tree-like manner forming a woody, leafless caudex or trunk of up to about 2-3m, that with age, may branch to form multiple branches.

As of November 2024, World Flora Online (WFO) lists the genus Nolina to contain 30 accepted species,[13] with Plants of the World Online (POWO) recognising 35 accepted species.