Xerophyllum (plant)

Xerophyllum
Xerophyllum tenax
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
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.

References

  1. ↑ Utech, Frederick H., "Xerophyllum", in Flora of North America Editorial Committee, Flora of North America (online), eFlora.org, retrieved 2012-04-29
  2. 1 2 Search for "Xerophyllum", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 2012-04-29
  3. ↑ Biota of North America Program 2013 county distribution maps
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