Beargrass wildflowers are best known for their use by Native Americans as a basket weaving material. The fibrous leaves turn from green to white as they dry and are tough and durable. The leaves may also be dyed and are flexible enough to be woven into tight, waterproof weaves. Eastern prairie tribes also used the boiled roots of beargrass wildflowers as a hair tonic and to treat sprains.
Beargrass wildflowers are still used today for basket weaving. More recently, beargrass wildflowers have become an important long lasting green in floral bouquets. Many national forests are now issuing permits for the harvesting of beargrass wildflowers for commercial use. Beargrass wildflowers can be grown in gardens in well-drained soils. Don't over-water and do not use commercial fertilizers. Humus and tree needle mulch will make your beargrass wildflowers feel right at home.
Beargrass wildflowers are an evergreen herb in the lily family. Colonies of the perennial beargrass wildflower, also known as squaw grass, soap grass and Indian basket grass, bloom in three to seven year cycles. The tall flowering stalks can be up to six feet tall with numerous small white flowers. The conical shape of the flowers makes beargrass wildflowers easily recognizable.
Beargrass wildflowers are an important part of the ecosystem in the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada and Coast ranges. Beargrass wildflowers do well in fairly dry, cool sites. Beargrass wildflowers provide food for at least forty species of insects, which in turn pollinate the grass. Many big game animals including deer and elk also favor beargrass wildflower. Pocket gophers and other rodents feed on beargrass wildflowers and grizzly bears sometimes use beargrass wildflowers for winter nesting material for their dens.
Beargrass wildflowers have long, thin leaves with toothed edges extending from the base. The central stalk has short, leaf-like extensions along its length. Beargrass wildflowers are an important part of fire ecology and thrive with periodic burns. Beargrass wildflower rhizomes survive fires that clear plant matter from the surface of the ground. Beargrass wildflowers are often the first plant to sprout in burned areas.
Beargrass wildflowers are still used today for basket weaving. More recently, beargrass wildflowers have become an important long lasting green in floral bouquets. Many national forests are now issuing permits for the harvesting of beargrass wildflowers for commercial use. Beargrass wildflowers can be grown in gardens in well-drained soils. Don't over-water and do not use commercial fertilizers. Humus and tree needle mulch will make your beargrass wildflowers feel right at home.
Beargrass wildflowers are an evergreen herb in the lily family. Colonies of the perennial beargrass wildflower, also known as squaw grass, soap grass and Indian basket grass, bloom in three to seven year cycles. The tall flowering stalks can be up to six feet tall with numerous small white flowers. The conical shape of the flowers makes beargrass wildflowers easily recognizable.
Beargrass wildflowers are an important part of the ecosystem in the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada and Coast ranges. Beargrass wildflowers do well in fairly dry, cool sites. Beargrass wildflowers provide food for at least forty species of insects, which in turn pollinate the grass. Many big game animals including deer and elk also favor beargrass wildflower. Pocket gophers and other rodents feed on beargrass wildflowers and grizzly bears sometimes use beargrass wildflowers for winter nesting material for their dens.
Beargrass wildflowers have long, thin leaves with toothed edges extending from the base. The central stalk has short, leaf-like extensions along its length. Beargrass wildflowers are an important part of fire ecology and thrive with periodic burns. Beargrass wildflower rhizomes survive fires that clear plant matter from the surface of the ground. Beargrass wildflowers are often the first plant to sprout in burned areas.
