How much sun does Bear-grass need?

Bear-grass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bear-grass bloom?

Bear-grass blooms in June and July.

Where is Bear-grass native?

Bear-grass (Xerophyllum tenax) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Bear-grass attract?

Bear-grass draws bees and beetles.

Bear-grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Xerophyllum tenax

Last reviewed: October 2026

Bear-grass (Xerophyllum tenax) is a perennial forb native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 2 more states. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw bees and beetles.

Toxicity unknown

Bear-grass (Xerophyllum tenax) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–60" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, ID, MT, OR and 2 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

A dramatic clump-forming perennial with tough, grass-like evergreen leaves and a tall stalk topped by a dense, fragrant plume of small white flowers. Grows in mountain forest openings and blooms only every few years per clump.

Growing Bear-grass

Grow Bear-grass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The showy flower plumes attract native bees and beetles, and the tough leaves are used by wildlife and traditionally by people for basketry.

Common questions

How much sun does Bear-grass need?: Bear-grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bear-grass bloom?: Bear-grass blooms in June and July.
Where is Bear-grass native?: Bear-grass (Xerophyllum tenax) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Bear-grass attract?: Bear-grass draws bees and beetles.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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