common beargrass
ExplorePlants
common beargrass
Xerophyllum tenax
Common beargrass is a tall plant with long, grassy leaves and beautiful white flowers. It grows in sunny places and can be found in many forests and meadows.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The common beargrass has stiff, grass-like leaves that form dense clumps, often growing up to a meter tall. In summer, it shoots up a tall stalk topped with a dense cluster of creamy-white, star-shaped flowers, making it stand out brightly in mountain meadows.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyMelanthiaceaeGenusXerophyllum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It only blooms every few years, but when it does, it produces thousands of tiny flowers!
It's not a true grass; it's a member of the lily family, despite its grassy appearance!
Its tall white flower stalks can sometimes grow taller than an adult person!
The plant was named 'beargrass' because bears are sometimes seen foraging near it!
Special abilities
Ability
Fire Rescuer
Common beargrass can survive wildfires by resprouting from its deep rhizomes, helping it quickly recover and thrive in burned areas.
Ability
Water Wizard
It has tough, waxy leaves and deep roots to conserve water, letting it survive in dry, sunny mountain habitats for a long time.
Ability
Weaving Wonder
Its incredibly strong, fibrous leaves were historically used by indigenous peoples for crafting durable baskets, mats, and clothing.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Western Bumblebee
Bombus occidentalis
visits flowers to collect nectar and pollen
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
occasionally browses its tough, fibrous leaves
depends on
American Black Bear
Ursus americanus
may dig up and eat the starchy rhizomes
eaten by
Elk
Cervus elaphus
sometimes feeds on its foliage in mountain meadows
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Grass-Like
Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Fiber
This human use trait identifies species that yield natural fibers, used by humans for textiles, rope, paper, and other manufactured goods.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch wild plants unless an adult says it's safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is common beargrass?
50-150 cm
How wide does common beargrass spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on common beargrass?
0.5-1 cm
When does common beargrass bloom?
Late spring to summer
Is common beargrass edible?
No
Is common beargrass toxic?
None
What is common beargrass's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is common beargrass pollinated?
Insect
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