FLORA OF MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK. 
17 
The squaw-grass, Xerophyllum tenax (fig. 12), is perhaps the plant 
that attracts the greatest attention. It receives its common name 
from the fact that the Indians use it in making their baskets. It has 
other popular names, such as mountain lily, elk-grass, bear-grass, etc. 
It may be recognized by its dense mat of coarse grass-like leaves 
and flower stalk about 3 feet high with raceme of beautiful creamy 
white flowers. In the early stages of development the flowers are 
crowded into a conical cluster at the top which gradually lengthens 
8215°—16-3 
