bear grass

[ bair gras ]

noun

1. Also called elk grass. a tall, western North American plant, Xerophyllum tenax, of the lily family, having narrow leaves and a dense, broad cluster of tiny white flowers.
2. any of several other plants having linear, grasslike leaves, as those of the genera Nolina and Dasylirion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bear grass¹

An Americanism dating back to 1740–50

Example Sentences

Sisal hemp, which I found much like our yucca or "bear grass," is but little grown.

From Project Gutenberg

There are thousands of cream-white mountain lilies—bear-grass—with tall, slender blooms.

From Project Gutenberg

The mother had dropped it or missed it in her panic, and the little thing lay whimpering in the bear-grass.

From Project Gutenberg

They also Cover their heads from the rain Sometimes with a common water cup or basket made of Cedar bark and bear grass.

From Project Gutenberg

At Louisville barely could boats be pulled in to the Bear Grass.

From Project Gutenberg