The story of

Xerophyllum tenax or Beargrass, is a grass-like perennial that actually belongs to the Lily family. Other common names are squaw grass, soap grass, quip-quip and Indian Basket grass.

The grass can reach a height of 150 cm and grows in clusters. The grassy leaves are olive in color and grow from the base of the stem and look like a fan. The creamy white saucer-shaped flowers of the grass grows on a stem and resemble a vanilla ice cream cone! They grow in July and August and have a sweet aroma. Beargrass is ecologically important because it is a fire-resistant variety. It is often the first plant to sprout after a forest fire.