Xerophyllum tenax Indian basket grass (Melanthiaceae) Evergreen perennial

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Xerophyllum tenax
Indian basket grass
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Xerophyllum tenax plant species is found in Western N. America - British Columbia to California. It is a member of the Melanthiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Indian basket grass. Some home gardeners know the variety as X. douglasii. Helonias tenax.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Xerophyllum tenax
Common Name:  Indian basket grass
Family:  Melanthiaceae
Author:  (Purs.)Nutt.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:  2

Habitat:  Dry sunny hills and open woods[187]. Moist places in open woods and clearings, from sea level to 2100 metres[1, 60].

Propagation Notes: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division as the plant comes into growth in the spring.

For further Xerophyllum tenax gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future