How do we use your location?
Knowing your location helps us recommend plants that will thrive in your climate, based on your Growing Zone.
Knowing your location helps us recommend plants that will thrive in your climate, based on your Growing Zone.
Xenophyllum tenax (Bear Grass) is a fascinating herb native to western North America from British Columbia to California and eastward to northwest Wyoming. The species grows at elevations up to 6,600 feet in open coniferous woods, dry ridges, rocky slopes and clearings. Its tall, upright flower stalks create a dramatic focal point in garden landscapes, while the lush grass-like leaves provide year-round interest and texture. This plant is well-suited for rock gardens and naturalized areas, where it can thrive with minimal maintenance.
Xenophyllum tenax offers significant wildlife benefits for a variety of species. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while its dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites for small animals. It’s also an important part of fire ecology in its native habitat where it thrives after sporadic burns, helping to stabilize the soil.
Native Americans have long used Bear Grass for a variety of purposes. Leaves were used for basket weaving, leaf fibers for clothing and the rhizomes roasted for food.
Bear Grass may take a few years to flower after which the leafy tuft dies but is quickly replaced by offset clumps. This continual production of offshoots allows this long-lived plant to be a mainstay in your garden year after year.
As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat. The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and fall-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.
Perennials and fall-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your Growing Zone. Perennial and fall-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service at (802) 227-7200 or contact us by email or chat.