This member of the lily family—the only evergreen lily in our region—would impress Dr. Seuss himself. An explosion of strand-like, tough and glossy leaves bursts from the ground, forming a slippery clump that lasts many years.

Once every five to ten years, an offshoot plant rises up to 1.5 metres to form a white, fuzzy blossom. Abundant in high elevations in the East Kootenay, this poisonous plant can make a bizarre display across hillsides—a real treat for the eyes.

Valued as basket material, bear grass was a trading commodity of the Ktunaxa First Nations.