All Green Thumbs
Xerophyllum tenax (Beargrass)
The photo on the right is after the flower and only the seed stalks remain. But it does provide a perception of the grass like leaves and the general form of the plant. Beargrass is in the foreground in front of the trees.
Beargrass is a commonly photographed plant in mountain scenery. It has a large bunch of grass like leaves but is a lily rather than a grass. In the mid-summer, a large flower stalk appears with many hundreds of individual lily like flowers. The flowerhead is white and measures 4-6 inches across the base and can extend well over one foot in height. The leaves are very strong and are highly sought for Native American basket weaving.
Wildlife
No information.
Ornamental
This is a very highly sought ornamental. However, the plants should be obtained from populations at lower elevation. Ours is from a stand below Snoqualmie Pass, WA at about 2,500 feet. Plants from higher elevation (4,000-5,000 feet) may not grow in urban areas of extremely low elevation.
Natural History
This plant contains compounds that reportedly constrict blood vessels. It was used by various tribes - the root chewed and used as a poultice for wounds. The leaves were highly sought for basket making. They are commerically sought today for dry floral arrangements.
Propagation
Cold stratification or plant in the fall before winter snows. Well drained soils. Full sun. Requires lots of moisture.
References
Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest, University of Washington, Hitchcock and Cronquist.
Copyright 2001-2005 InfraData. All rights reserved.
