#bear grass

well rounded individuals . . .

The wildflower season at Mount Rainier is moving past “peak”. However, wildflowers are still blooming on the mountain, particularly at higher elevations. This lovely display of bear grass (Xerophyllum tenax) was found near Indian Bar above 5000 feet on the southeast slopes of Mount Rainier. Bear grass stems can be up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, topped with distinctive globe-like clumps of white flowers. The grass-like leaves have fleshy bases sometimes eaten by bears, giving the plant its name. What wildflowers are you finding in the park?

For updates on what’s blooming where visit https://go.nps.gov/RainierWildflower

Unfamiliar with Mount Rainier’s wildflower species? Check out the wildflower guide at https://go.nps.gov/RainierWildflowerGuide

This photo by James Parsons was taken in the Paradise Park area on Mt. Hood. The dominant plant in this photo is bear grass (also known as soap grass, quip-quip, and Indian basket grass).

Bear grass (a relative of the corn lily) is an important part of the fire ecology of regions where it is native. It has rhizomes which survive fire that clears dead and dying plant matter from the surface of the ground. The plant thrives with periodic burns and is often the first plant to sprout in a scorched area.