Common Name: Indian Basket Grass

General Information

Xerophyllum tenax is an evergreen perennial plant growing from stout, tuberous, woody rhizomes. Tussocks of grass-like leaves up to 90cm long are produced, from which grow erect, unbranched flowering stems up to 180cm tall[, ].
The leaves were one of the most widely used and highly desirable materials for weaving baskets in northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Columbia Plateau and are still ommonly gathered. Leaves were often used as an article of trade with other tribes[]. The plant was also harvested for food and medicines. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

The finely toothed edges of leaves can cut unprotected hands[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Western N. America - British Columbia to Alberta, south to California

Habitat

Open coniferous woods, dry ridges, rocky slopes, and clearings; at elevations from sea level to 2,300 metres[]. Moist places in open woods and clearings, at elevations from sea level to 2,100 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	1.20 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Xerophyllum tenax is hardy to about -20°c[], especially if the roots are given a good mulch in the winter[].
Requires a well-drained soil in full sun[]. Plants are moderately shade tolerant, and grow best in the light shade of an open canopy of trees[].. Prefers a fairly moisture-retentive sandy peaty soil[, ]. Requires a damp peaty soil[]. Plants can be difficult to cultivate[].
If left undisturbed, plants can form quite large colonies, spreading by means of their tough rhizomes[].
Any particular plant may not bloom for several years but when it does it will produce a leafy flowering stalk that may be up to 180cm tall with numerous small white flowers. Individual colonies tend to flower in a 5 - 7 year cycle[, ].
Plants are usually tolerant of fire - top growth is destroyed but the plants resprout freely from the roots[].
Native N. Americans would burn the plants every 2 - 3 years, between mid summer and early autumn, in order to produce fresh now growth that was more easily picked and worked, as they were stronger, thinner, and more pliable[].

Edible Uses

Root - baked[]. Roasted for several days before being eaten[].

Medicinal

The roots are styptic[]. A poultice of the chewed root has been applied to wounds[]. A decoction of the grated root has been used as a wash on bleeding wounds, sprains and broken limbs[]. The washed roots have been rubbed to make a lather and then used to wash sore eyes[].

Other Uses

The leaves become bleached nearly white when they are dried, and are used as a white overlay or decoration on items of basketry such as storage baskets, trinket baskets, flour trays, cooking baskets, soup bowls, hats, infant carriers, hoppers, sifters, and dippers[]. The dried and bleached leaves are used for weaving into hats and capes[, ].
A watertight basket can be made from the leaves[, , , , ]. This basket has been used as a container for cooking food[]. The fibres are split from the leaves and then used[].
The small leaves have been used to make dresses[].
The leaves are harvested in the spring when they first starte to grow. The plants were sometimes burnt in the autumn to make harvest easier[, ]. The leaves were hung up to dry and become bleached, a process that could take up to 12 months, and were then scraped to make them smooth. Prior to using, the leaves were soaked in water to make them pliable, but if left too long they turned green[, ].

The boiled root is used as a wash and tonic for the hair[].

Propagation

Seed - it requires 3 - 4 months of cold stratification and so is besyt sown 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.