Xerophyllum tenax Indian basket grass (Melanthiaceae) Evergreen perennial

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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].

General Uses: A watertight basket can be made from the leaves[21, 46, 61, 99, 257]. This basket has been used for cooking food in[257]. The fibres are split from the leaves and then used[92]. The plant is also used to decorate baskets[257]. The small leaves have beenused to make dresses[257]. The plants were burnt every year. The leaves were harvested in the spring when they first started to grow out of the charred rhizome. Prior to using, the leaves were soaked in water to make them pliable, but if left too long they turned green[257]. The dried and bleached leaves are used for weaving into hats and capes[207, 257].

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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'.
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