“Beargrass Bloom”, Mt. Jefferson, Oregon

Description

“Beargrass Bloom”, Mt. Jefferson, Oregon

Willamette National Forest

Oregon’s regal Mt Jefferson floats upon a sea of Xerophyllum tenax, also known as Beargrass.  these whimsical wildflowers always make me think of a Dr Seuss book. The tough leaves of the Beargrass plant were used by Native Americans to weave baskets. Their roots and pods were also used as food sources. Primarily growing at subalpine elevations, Beargrass blooms proliferate shortly after wildflowers have cleared hillsides of plant matter.