Bear Grass

Xerophyllum Tenax

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Overview

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum tenax) is a hardy perennial noted for its tufted, grass-like foliage and tall, striking white flower spikes, reaching heights up to 5 feet. Preferring well-drained soils and partial to full sun, it's an excellent choice for adding texture and vertical interest to naturalistic landscapes. Its low maintenance and drought tolerance make it ideal for xeriscaping. This North American native attracts pollinators and resists deer.

Sun Full, HalfWater Low, MediumZones 5–9

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — grass-like foliage and tall

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — grass-like foliage and tall

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — reaching heights up to 5 feet

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — striking white flower spikes

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Bear Grass (Xerophyllum tenax) is a hardy perennial noted for its tufted

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — it's an excellent choice for adding texture and vertical interest to naturalistic landscapes

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Its low maintenance and drought tolerance make it ideal for xeriscaping

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Low, Medium
USDA zones: 5–9

Shape & size

Mature height: 1–5 Ft.
Mature width: 1–2 Ft.

Classification

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Photos (129)

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Preferring well-drained soils and partial to full sun

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — grass-like foliage and tall

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — reaching heights up to 5 feet

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — striking white flower spikes

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Bear Grass (Xerophyllum tenax) is a hardy perennial noted for its tufted

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — it's an excellent choice for adding texture and vertical interest to naturalistic landscapes

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Its low maintenance and drought tolerance make it ideal for xeriscaping

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — This North American native attracts pollinators and resists deer

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — scientifically known as Xerophyllum tenax

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — but rather belongs to the lily family

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — showcasing its unique botanical lineage.<br><br>Characteristically

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — This North American native is not true grass

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — is a perennial herb prized for its resilience and striking appearance

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — making it a valuable addition to any landscape design

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Its preference for acidic soils makes it an excellent companion for rhododendrons and azaleas

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Its slender, arching leaves are tough and wiry, spanning 30 to 40 inches in length and less than an inch wide

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — These deep green leaves remain evergreen

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — adding a year-round structural presence to garden compositions.<br><br>Every 5 to 7 years

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Bear Grass produces a stunning floral display - a lofty

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Bear Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade and is remarkably drought-tolerant once established

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Bear Grass forms dense clumps that can reach a height of 2 to 4 feet with an equal spread

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — grass-like foliage and tall; making it a valuable addition to any landscape design

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — striking white flower spikes; adding a year-round structural presence to garden compositions.<br><br>Every 5 to 7 years

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Bear Grass (Xerophyllum tenax) is a hardy perennial noted for its tufted; reaching heights up to 5 feet