A Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Washington State
Hosted by the University of Washington Herbarium, Burke Museum
Hosted by the University of Washington Herbarium, Burke Museum
Checklist »
Melanthiaceae » Xerophyllum tenax
Last updated 10/24/2023 by David Giblin.
Xerophyllum tenax (Pursh) Nutt.[FNA26, HC, HC2]
beargrass, western turkeybeard
Publication: Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 1: 235. 1818.
Origin: Native
selected vouchers: WTU
Notes: FNA26: "Xerophyllum tenax, variable in plant and flower size, is without evident geographic races (S. M. Maule 1959). Similar in most respects to X. asphodeloides but more robust, X. tenax typically has twice the number of flowers (F. H. Utech 1978c). The leaf fibers were used by native tribes for garments and decorative, watertight baskets. The bulbous rhizomes were roasted for several days before being eaten."
References:
» Maule, S. M. 1959. Xerophyllum tenax, squawgrass, its geographic distribution and its behavior on Mount Rainier, Washington. Madroño 15: 39–48.
Synonyms & Misapplied Names:
Helonias tenax Pursh
Xerophyllum douglasii S. Watson
