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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 5–9Type Grass, Perennial
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — showcasing its unique botanical lineage.<br><br>Characteristically; bear Grass thrives in full sun to partial, image 64

Culture

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

Shape & size

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

Classification

Type
Grass, Perennial

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Photos (149)

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — it's an excellent choice for adding texture and vertical interest to naturalistic landscapes; showcasing its, image 106
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — white flowers in the garden; this North American native attracts pollinators and resists deer, image 123
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — grass-like foliage and tall; making it a valuable addition to any landscape design, image 127
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — scientifically known as Xerophyllum tenax
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — it's an excellent choice for adding texture and vertical interest to naturalistic landscapes; showcasing its unique botanical
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Preferring well-drained soils and partial to full sun; its low maintenance and drought tolerance make it ideal for, image 105
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Bear Grass forms dense clumps that can reach a height of 2 to 4 feet with an equal spread; grass-like foliage and tall
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Preferring well-drained soils and partial to full sun
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — grass-like foliage and tall; making it a valuable addition to any landscape design, image 102
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — making it a valuable addition to any landscape design; grass / perennial with white blooms, image 111
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — striking white flower spikes; adding a year-round structural presence to garden compositions.<br><br>Every 5 to 7, image 78
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — adding a year-round structural presence to garden compositions.<br><br>Every 5 to 7 years; white flowers in the, image 68
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Its preference for acidic soils makes it an excellent companion for rhododendrons and azaleas; bear Grass produces a stunning
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — is a perennial herb prized for its resilience and striking appearance; these deep green leaves remain evergreen, image 110
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Bear Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade and is remarkably drought-tolerant once established; this North, image 120
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — This North American native is not true grass; it's an excellent choice for adding texture and vertical interest to, image 62
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — adding a year-round structural presence to garden compositions.<br><br>Every 5 to 7 years; white flowers in the, image 118
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — This North American native attracts pollinators and resists deer; striking white flower spikes, image 58
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — scientifically known as Xerophyllum tenax; is a perennial herb prized for its resilience and striking appearance
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — These deep green leaves remain evergreen; its slender, arching leaves are tough and wiry, spanning 30 to 40 inches in length
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — but rather belongs to the lily family, image 63
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Bear Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade and is remarkably drought-tolerant once established
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — Its low maintenance and drought tolerance make it ideal for xeriscaping; its preference for acidic soils makes it, image 57
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum Tenax) — This North American native is not true grass; it's an excellent choice for adding texture and vertical interest to, image 112
Photographs by 4 contributors

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