Xerophyllum (plant)
| Xerophyllum | |
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| Xerophyllum tenax | |
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| Genus: | Xerophyllum Michx.
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Xerophyllum is a genus of perennial plants from the family Melanthiaceae. The genus is native to North America.[1]
- 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, were 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
- ^ Utech, Frederick H., "Xerophyllum", http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=135103, retrieved 2012-04-29
{{citation}}: Missing or empty|title=(help), in Flora of North America Editorial Committee, ed. (1982 onwards), Flora of North America (online), eFlora.org{{citation}}: Check date values in:|year=(help)CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ a b Search for "Xerophyllum", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 2012-04-29
- ^ Biota of North America Program 2013 county distribution maps