BEARGRASS 



Xerophyllum tenax (Pursh) Nuttall 



Beargrass is a conspicuous plant when in bloom, the spikes of 

 creamy flowers contrasting with the dark green foliage of the 

 neighboring trees and plants. The numerous flowers seem almost 

 too heavy even for the stout stems supporting them. On steep 

 slopes, sterile plants often form a close sward, which is so slippery 

 that it is difficult to traverse. The tender young flower shoots are 

 eaten by bears, and are also cut down by ground squirrels for food. 

 The Indians use the leaves in making fine baskets, and for this rea- 

 son the plant is sometimes known as "basketgrass." The genus con- 

 tains only two other species, one of which, known as "turkeys- 

 beard," is found on the Atlantic coast. 



Beargrass belongs to the Lily Family. It has a narrow range, oc- 

 curring only from Montana and California to British Columbia. It 

 is especially plentiful in Glacier National Park. 



The specimen sketched was obtained in Mount Rainier National 

 Park. 



PLATE 302. 



