bear grass

American  

[bair gras] / ˈbɛər ˌgræs /

noun

1. Also called elk grass.  a tall, western North American plant, Xerophyllum tenax, of the lily family, having narrow leaves and a dense, broad cluster of tiny white flowers.

2. any of several other plants having linear, grasslike leaves, as those of the genera Nolina and Dasylirion.

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Etymology

Origin of bear grass

An Americanism dating back to 1740–50

Example Sentences

The Washington Post published a front-page photo of her in a Karuk dress of dried bear grass, a woven basket cap and a white leather sash adorned with Pileated woodpecker scalps.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 20, 2022

It spurred hazelnut stems and bear grass used for intricate baskets and ceremonial regalia.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 2021

Light, frequent burning of the forest understory maintains oak tree health, and the acorns and huckleberries for food, hazel and bear grass for weaving, and pepperwood and wormwood for medicine.

From The Guardian • Nov. 21, 2019

White Queen Anne’s lace and the bizarre, Dr. Seuss-like frizz of bear grass in bloom.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 5, 2014

I couldn’t think at first what would make the sort of light I needed, then recollected a clump of bear grass that Mama’d recently grubbed out, where she wanted to start a new fall garden.

From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson