Helonias tenax Pursh
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Xerophyllum tenax (Pursh) Nutt. Bear grass, Indian basket grass, soap grass, squaw grass,
Bear grass is a native of western North America. It is not a grass, but a member of the Lily family. Identification: These plants typically grow in groups, to heights of five feet. Leaves are mostly at the base, olive-colored, with toothed edges, up to 3′ (91 cm) long and narrow (⅛-¼″ (3.2-6.3 mm)). Leaves are tough and wiry. Tightly bunched cream-colored flowers on tall stalks are distinctive. Often occurs near alpine larch and whitebark pine. Fruits are less than ½″ (1.3 cm) long, with three lobes.
Bear Grass in Glacier National Park, MT. National Parks Service photo. Online References:
Plants for a Future, a resource and information centre for edible and otherwise useful plants The USDA Forest Service's Fire Effects Information Database Xerophyllum tenax description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020.
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11/27/2009 · Whitefish, Montana · By Constance B. Kent Range:
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