Bear grass

Description

Xerophyllum is a genus of perennial plants from the family Melanthiaceae. The genus is native to North America. There are two species: Xerophyllum asphodeloides (Pursh) Nutt. - southern Appalachians from Alabama to Maryland; also Delaware + New Jersey Xerophyllum tenax (Pursh) Nutt. - Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, N + W California Some species formerly placed in this genus have been transferred to others (within the tribe Melanthieae): Xerophyllum gramineum = Stenanthium gramineum (Ker Gawl.) Morong Xerophyllum sabadilla = Schoenocaulon officinale (Schltdl. & Cham.) A.Gray The elongated leaves of X. tenax, commonly known as bear grass, are used for basket weaving by the Native Americans. Xerophyllum asphodeloides also known as turkey's beard is a popular garden plant, producing spikes of white flowers.