Xerophyllum tenax

This widespread Pacific Northwest species is generally scattered throughout its range, although it is abundant in some areas, such as west of the continental divide in Montana. Clearcutting is occurring in many parts of its range, but this species tends to respond positively to canopy opening, which may balance or outweigh other potential types of habitat degradation from clearcuts. This species has traditionally been harvested from the wild for use in the floral industry and making baskets for domestic and international markets, and overharvest for these markets is a local threat in some areas; however, this species is sufficiently widespread that this threat is not expected to lead to regional or rangewide decline.

This species occurs from British Columbia and Alberta south to Wyoming and California.

Bear grass typically increases in density in open canopy conditions and declines in fully shaded conditions; thus, increased light following tree thinning and logging may tend to benefit the species. However, other impacts of clearcutting may degrade habitat quality in some areas (Vance et al. 2001). This species is relatively fire-adapted and will resprout from intact rhizomes. This species has traditionally been harvested from the wild for use in the floral industry, making baskets in domestic and international markets (Vance et al. 2001). Overharvest for commercial use and impacts from high recreational activity are potential threats (Fertig 2000). However, these impacts tend to be local, and overall the species is thought to be widespread enough that they are not expected to cause rangewide declines (J. Arnett, pers. comm. 2008)