bear grass

Thân thiện

A hiker admires a cluster of bear grass in bloom on a mountain slope.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A common name for several distinct, grass-like perennial plants native to arid regions of North America, particularly the southwestern United States. These plants are characterized by their tough, narrow, grass-like leaves that grow in dense, basal clumps or tufts. They are known for producing tall, striking flower stalks.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The hiker admired the clump of bear grass growing in the rocky soil.
  • After the fire, the bear grass was one of the first plants to re-sprout.
  • The flower stalk of the bear grass can reach over six feet in height.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term "bear grass" is not scientifically precise and is applied to plants from different genera, primarily and . It is important to note the specific botanical context.
• "Bear grass" is often used in ecological and botanical descriptions of chaparral, desert, or mountainous habitats.
• It is sometimes referenced in historical or cultural contexts regarding indigenous uses of native plants.

Variants and Related Words

• Synonyms: While there are no perfect synonyms, related common names include squaw grass (for ) and basket grass (referencing its traditional use).
• Scientific Names: The primary genera referred to as bear grass are (e.g., ) and (e.g., ).

Different Meanings

• The term "bear grass" specifically refers to the plants described above. It is not typically used in idioms or phrasal verbs. It should not be confused with general grasses that bears might inhabit.

Học thuật

Noun

1. plant of western North America having woody rhizomes and tufts of stiff grasslike basal leaves and spikes of creamy white flowers
2. stemless plant with tufts of grasslike leaves and erect panicle of minute creamy white flowers; southwestern United States and Mexico
3. yucca of west central United States having a clump of basal grasslike leaves and a central stalk with a terminal raceme of small whitish flowers
4. yucca of southern United States having a clump of basal grasslike leaves and a central stalk with a terminal raceme of small whitish flowers

Từ đồng nghĩa

• squaw grass
• Xerophyllum tenax
• Nolina microcarpa
• Yucca glauca
• Yucca smalliana