Common Beargrass
Xerophyllum tenax
NPS Photo
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Melanthiaceae
- Genus:
- Xerophyllum
- Species:
- Xerophyllum tenax
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 6-8 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may, jun, jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- White
Native Range
United States: California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Common in open woods and clearings
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are imbibed in distilled water for 10 minutes and placed in fine mesh bags buried in moist peat moss under refrigeration at 34 to 37°F. Seeds require around 120 days of cool, moist stratification to break dormancy and begin germination.
Establishment: Dormancy breaking is reported to be more difficult with other seed sources (Pacific Coast) and may require combinations of warm, moist stratification and cold, moist chilling. Seeds are collected in late August and early September when capsules turn tan and open.
Source: npn.rngr.net