What is Bear Grass?

What is Bear Grass?
Written by S.E. Smith
WiseGeek.com

Bear grass is a flowering perennial plant in the lily family. It can be found in many parts of North America, usually in the subalpine zone, although certain areas of low ground host bear grass as well. A variety of common names are used to refer to the plant, which is known botanically as Xerophyllum tenax. The common names include elk grass, squaw grass, fire lily, soap grass, and Indian basket grass. Some of these names are clearly references to the plant's growth habit and uses.

A bear grass plant can grow up to 60 inches (150 centimeters) in height. The leaves grow in a tight cluster around a central stalk, and the flowers grow on tall stalks which jut up from the leaves. The leaves resemble long blades, and have lightly serrated edges. The flowers grow in club like clusters of white disc shaped flowers. The flowers also have a distinctive faintly sweet scent, and are a familiar part of the alpine environment.

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