Common Beargrass
Xerophyllum tenax
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
NPS Photo
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Melanthiaceae
- Genus:
- Xerophyllum
- Species:
- Xerophyllum tenax
- USDA Symbol:
- XETE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Xerophyllum tenax is fire-adapted; it resprouts from rhizomes after fire and benefits from periodic burning to reduce competition.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy; germination occurs in 30-60 days after stratification.
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
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C 6 wks then 4C 6 wks then slowly raise to 10C 6 wks. Repeat if no germination.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)