Bear grass is a big, bold grass-like succulent that makes a statement in any garden. It's as tough as it is beautiful. Here's everything you need to know about planting and caring for this southwest desert native.
Bear grass (Nolina microcarpa) is a striking accent plant native to parts of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts. Xerophyllum tenax is a North American species of plants in the corn lily family. [1][2] It is known by several common names, including bear grass, soap grass, quip-quip, and Indian basket grass.
[3] The name "beargrass" is thought to come from its connection to both the plant's habitat and its relationship with bears. Found in the same forested and meadowed areas where bears are commonly. Bear-grass is a stout perennial arising from a woody, tuber-like rhizome.
Leaves are dull olive green and typically 2 to 8 decimeters (0.7 to 2.6 feet) long 2 to 4 millimeters (0.08 to 0.16 inches) wide, persistent, grass-like in appearance and rough to the touch. Flower stems typically range from 1.2 to 1.8 meters (3.9 to 5.9 feet) high. Sought for use as an ornamental in cultivated landscapes, Xerophyllum tenax (Bear Grass) is a stout, evergreen perennial arising from a woody, tuber-like rhizome.
It forms a basal rosette of arching, tough, grass-like, olive green leaves, 12-40 in. long (30-100 cm). In late spring to late summer, depending on elevation and latitude, upright stalks rise well above the foliage and bear dense.
Bear Grass Bear Grass Nolina microcarpa Description The evergreen accent plant is a great choice for desert and transitional gardens, forming a bold, grassy clump to about five feet tall and seven feet wide. The ends of its leathery, coarse, green leaves will fray to form a white, curling, ornamental look. Its leaves grow from underground.
Discover what bear grass looks like and how to incorporate it into your landscaping ideas. Find inspiration and tips for using bear grass in your garden design. Bear grass, a common name for Xerophyllum tenax, comes from observations that bears like to eat the young fleshy stems, and Grizzly bears reportedly have been known to use bear grass leaves in winter dens during hibernation.
It's a popular plant for many other species who use it for food or cover: from bees and beetles to rodents and elk. Xerophyllum tenax is an evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with blue, green and white foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge.
Features grassy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun.
🌈 Colorful Beargrass cultivars enhance garden aesthetics and suit various styles. 🌼 'White Star' and 'Golden Bear' offer unique blooms and vibrant foliage for any space. 🌿 Hybrid varieties combine traits for improved colors, sizes, and disease resistance.
Color: Green Botanical facts: Native to the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains. Common relatives include asparagus, daylily, tulip, hyacinth and lily. Design notes: The long, narrow leaves can add a beautiful draping feature to floral designs.
Purchasing hints: Purchase leaves which are fresh, flexible and well hydrated.