bear grass
Xerophyllum tenax
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 5 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green.
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Bear grass (Xerophyllum tenax) is a perennial for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Its shiny, grass-like leaves form an evergreen mound. Tall cone-shaped spikes of creamy-white, fragrant flowers rise above the leaves. Bloom can be unreliable in a garden, but the foliage looks good all year.
Pairs well with Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce, and Thimbleberry.
Native range
CA, ID, MT, OR, and 3 more places. See all 7
CA, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY; AB, and BC.