title: Xerophyllum (plant)
text: # Xerophyllum (plant)
  
  Xerophyllum is a genus of perennial plants from the family Melanthiaceae. The genus is native to North America.
  
  There are two species:
  
  * 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):
  
  * 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, are 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.
  
  