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Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax) profile

Written by Maggie

Mar 18 2021

Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax) profile

Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax), also called squaw grass, soap grass, quip-quip, and Indian basket grass is an annual herb of the genus Liliaceae. Beargrass is a relative of the lily. Beargrass is native to the mountains of North America, common in the subalpine grasslands and coastal mountains from southern British Columbia to California and eastern Wyoming. 

Beargrass picture

Beargrass

Morphological characteristics of Beargrass

Beargrass is an annual plant closely related to the lily. Leaf texture like miscanthus, meticulous, hard, but the natural soft lines, perennial flowers, can grow to 15 - one hundred and fifty cm tall, from the height of the close to the ground to grow into a bunch of slightly curled up leaves and olive green ribbon serrated leaves, was thirty and one hundred cm, flowers on long stems from the bottom of the minister, white, slightly fragrant, is particularly popular with tourists, but the flowering frequency is not high. Beargrass was long used by Native Americans to weave baskets. Its fibrous leaves turn from green to white when dried and are tough and durable. 

Beargrass is a genus with linear leaves, like miscanthus as fine, hard leaves, but soft lines of natural, perennial white flowers once, can grow to 15 to 150 centimeters high, from near the ground to grow into a bundle of slightly curled leaves. Leaves are olive-green and serrated, 30 to 100 cm long and 2 to 6 mm wide. Flowers are on long stems growing from the base, white, slightly scented.

The ecological habits of Beargrass

Beargrass is an important agroecological component in the region where it originally grows. The fire burns off dead plants on the ground, but the bulbs of the Beargrass will survive. After the fire, it will grow more exuberant. And it is often the first plant to grow after a wildfire.

Beargrass

The propagation method of Beargrass

Beargrass can propagate only by seed.

The distribution region of the Beargrass

Beargrass is native to the mountainous areas of North America and is very common in the grassland and coastal mountains of the subalpine belt from southern British Columbia to California and eastern Wyoming.

The function and use of Beargrass

Beargrass has long been used by Native Americans to weave baskets. Its fibrous leaves turn from green to white when dried and are tough and durable.

Beargrass