Beargrass

Indian Basket Grass, Western Turkeybeard

Common Beargrass (Xerophyllum Tenax) are found in clumps on mountain slopes and forested areas from sea level to just below the tree line from British Columbia south to California and east to Alberta, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

A single, erect stem (20-60 in) grows from a large clump of curving, grass-like leaves (20-24 in) at the base of the plants. They flower from June to August, producing a cone of small, star-like white flowers that develops into a bottlebrush shape as it matures. The flowers may have a lilac-like perfume.

Could it be? There are a number of other plants that are also referred to as Beargrass. Eastern Turkeybeards, only found in the southeastern United States, are smallers plant with smaller flowers. Several other species can be found in the southwestern United States and Florida, such as Sacahuistas that grow in the dry deserts of Arizona, New Mexico, and southwestern Utah.

Did you know? Indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest frequently used Beargrass leaves to weave baskets.

See Also: Blazing Star, Camas, False Solomon's Seal, Fireweed, Goldenrod, Purple Prairie Clover, Red Paintbrush

Hard - can be difficult to spot. They may be few in number or not readily visible (for example, underground).

Forests are large areas of trees growing close together.

Mountains are very high areas of land with steep sides leading to a peak. They are often connected to other mountains as part of a mountain range.