Xerophyllum tenax

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http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=34833

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Author:Walter Siegmund (talk)
Source:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Xerophyllum_tenax_1111.JPG

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Author:AlexAH
Source:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Beargrass_2.jpg

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Xerophyllum tenax, ( Bear Grass) Sheffield's Seed Co., Inc.

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brewbooks

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Xerophyllum tenaxXerophyllum tenax

Bear Grass, Bear Lily, Elk Grass, Indian Basket Grass, quip-quip, Soap Grass, Squaw Grass, Western Turkeybeard

In Stock: 4.225 lb (Total:4.225lb)

Xerophyllum tenax

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4.22 lb

Details

Germination:

98%

Germination test:

Cut (Full Seed)

Purity:

98%

Seeds per lb:

254,604

Quantity:

4.22 lb

Collected in:

Montana
Troy

Crop year:

2023

Min. hardiness zone:

5

Item ID:

1833033

Characteristics

Growing Info

Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours

Stratification: cold stratify for 120 days

Germination: surface sow and keep moist, tamp the soil. Cover to keep light out. Remove cover after germination.

Xerophyllum tenax, also known as bear grass or Indian basket grass, is a North American species of plant in the corn lily family. It has several common names, including squaw grass, soap grass, quip-quip, and elk grass. This plant produces flowers with six tepals and six stamens in a terminal raceme and can grow up to 15–150 cm in height. The leaves are long and narrow, with toothed edges, and wrap around a small stem at ground level. The plant is found predominantly in western North America, from British Columbia to California and east to Wyoming. It thrives in subalpine meadows, coastal mountains, and the California coastal fog belt.

Xerophyllum tenax plays an important role in fire ecology as it has rhizomes that survive fires, helping to clear dead plant matter and promote new growth. The plant is often the first to sprout in scorched areas. Native Americans have utilized this plant for centuries, using its leaves to weave garments and baskets and consuming the roasted rootstock. A decoction of the grated root has been used as a wash for wounds, sprains, and broken limbs. The dried and bleached leaves are commonly used for weaving into hats, capes, and baskets due to their toughness and durability.

This plant provides habitat and food sources for various wildlife species, including bees, flies, rodents, bears, deer, and elk. Colonies of Xerophyllum tenax typically bloom every five to seven years. Its fibrous leaves, which turn from green to white as they dry, are highly versatile and can be easily dyed and manipulated into tight waterproof weaves.

For more information, visit http://plants.usda.gov.