| Xerophyllum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Xerophyllum tenax | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Melanthiaceae |
| Tribe: | Xerophylleae |
| Genus: | Xerophyllum Michx. |
Xerophyllum is a genus of perennial plants from the family Melanthiaceae. The genus is native to North America. [1]
There are two species: [2] [3]
- Xerophyllum asphodeloides (Pursh) Nutt. - southern Appalachians from Alabama to Maryland; also Delaware + New Jersey
- Xerophyllum tenax (Pursh) Nutt. - Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, N + W California
Some species formerly placed in this genus have been transferred to others (within the tribe Melanthieae): [2]
- Xerophyllum gramineum = Stenanthium gramineum (Ker Gawl.) Morong
- Xerophyllum sabadilla = Schoenocaulon officinale (Schltdl. & Cham.) A.Gray
The elongated leaves of X. tenax, commonly known as bear grass, are used for basket weaving by the Native Americans. Xerophyllum asphodeloides, also known as turkey's beard, is a popular garden plant, producing spikes of white flowers.[ citation needed ]