Bear Grass

Xerophyllum tenax of the Lily family.

One of our favorite wildflowers, Bear Grass is both unique and unusual. No other plant resembles the beargrass with its large white flower clusters and its tall character.

The linear leaves form dense basal clumps and were used by native americans as a useful source of fibre for weaving, clothing and the making of rope.

Bear Grass looks like a grass, but really belongs to the lily family. The flowers grow on a stalk that can be 6 feet tall with many small flowers. Each flower is creamy white, and saucer shaped, and has a sweet aroma. The lowest flowers bloom first, creating a tight knot of buds at the top.

The plant is also fire adapted. It sprouts from rhizomes beneath the surface. This allows it to survive all but the hottest fires, resprouting shortly after the flames flicker out.

Bear grass tends to flower in 5 to 7 year cycles. After the fruit sets, the plant dies. It reproduces by seed, and by sending out offshoots from its rhizomes.

Since Bear Grass blooms only every five to seven years, finding this patch of lovely creamy white flowers while on a favorite local hike, was a wonderful treat.