2. 
4S. Xerophyllum Michx, 
Stem simple from a short tuberous woody rootstock, the roots densely 
fascicled, Leaves numerous, forming er tuft, chiefly basal, narrowly 
linear, scale-like on the stem, Flowers in a dense terminal raceme, withering-) = 
persistent. ‘erianth segnents white, distinct, spreading, glandless; stamens 
6, filaments subulate, anthers oblong, Ovary 3-lobed in cross section, Styles 
3. Fruit a subglobose, loculicidal capsule, 
1, X. tenax (Pursh) Nutt. Bear Grass, Tuft or cushion 20-50 om, tall, as moch 
as 1m, in diameter, the leaves 50-80 cm, long, linear, about 1 cm, wide and 
purplish at the base, attenuate, very tough and na tne margins finely barbed; 
racemes at first globose, 10-12 cm, in diameter, lengthened at maturity to 
50-40 cme; perianth segments 7-8 mm, long, mostly oblong, white, spreading; 
stemens 10 mm, long, crects capsule broadly ovate, 5-6 mm, in diametbr, 3-lobed, 
the styles persistent, the pedicels 3-4 em, long in fruit; seeds 2.5 mm, long, 
angular, curved, (Helonias tenax Pursh). 
Common throughout our range above 4000 ft., being often the first plants 
to occupy talus slopes in subalpine situations, often covering acres, being 
slowly replaced in part by Abies lasiocarpa, The young flowering shoots are 
mich browsed by rear The leaves are used in basketry and mat-making by the 
brhre £ a . 
Indians, Type taken by Lewis near Collins (now Lolo) Cre on Lolo Trail, 
