XEROPHYLLUM tenax. Rocky Mountains to California. This is a most unusual member of the lily family, easily mistaken most of the time for a large grass. It clumps tightly at the base, producing beautiful fountains of very narrow, rough edged leaves, each up to 3' long. After several years, or in response to fire or other stress, a crown will produce a stalk as much as 6' tall, bearing a spectacular torch of small white flowers. This is an impressive plant for open banks, naturalistic meadows, and even shady nooks, given really well drained soil, with moderate to only occasional watering. It is hardy to below 0^oF.