Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, July 28, 2014: Bear Grass, Idaho

Beargrass, Selkirk mountains, Idaho

The first time I ever saw bear grass was while hiking in Idaho’s panhandle some years ago.  I was standing in a field of lovely white blooming plants that resembled grass and didn’t know what type of plant it was.  It was bear grass, not really grass at all but a member of the lily family.  I’ve since seen it blooming in Montana and British Columbia as well.  

 

Bear grass grows to a height almost 1.5 m (4.5 ft).  It’s grassy leaves are tough and stringy and have rough edges; they were dried and used by native Indians to make baskets.  Its creamy white flowers grow on a stalk that can reach a height of 2 m (> 6 ft).   The plant is found in open areas of forest and meadows in sub alpine locations, often where alpine larch grow.  It’s fire-resistant and is quick to repopulate an area cleared by a forest fire.  Bear grass blooms in 5 to 7 year cycles.  After the fruit sets, the plant dies. 

 

Beargrass, Selkirk mountains, Idaho

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