Flower Library
Bear Grass
Xerophyllum tenax · Germergewächse (Melanthiaceae)
Bear grass, also known in Germany as Bärgras, is one of the most popular binding greens in modern floristry: fine, long blades that bring airiness and momentum to any bouquet. We buy it fresh at the Veiling Rhein-Maas auction, so the blades stay juicy green and do not yellow prematurely. Whether delicately woven in or set as a moving accent – bear grass brings life to an arrangement.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 10–14 days
- Latin name
- Xerophyllum tenax
- Colors
- Deep green, Olive green, Light green
Bear grass consists of thin, narrow blades that grow between 60 and 90 centimetres long and can be bent, looped and shaped without breaking. Exactly this flexibility makes it so valuable: it can be formed into loops, arched over a bouquet or set in bundles as a graphic element. In the trade it comes almost exclusively as the wild form Xerophyllum tenax – there are no named cultivars, but quality differs in blade length and freshness.
In floristry bear grass is a true all-rounder. As a binding green it gives loose bouquets structure and fills gaps without looking heavy. We like to use it in bridal bouquets, where the fine blades create romantic movement, and equally in modern, graphic arrangements where individual bent blades are placed as deliberate lines. It is also in demand in funeral floristry and large event arrangements thanks to its length and resilience.
A key quality marker is the freshness of the blades: good bear grass is deep green, firm and glossy, not dull or dried at the tips. Because we buy directly at the Veiling auction with no middleman, the greenery reaches our workshop very fresh – which shows in its long shelf life of often two weeks or more, well beyond the seven days common in the trade.
Stylistically bear grass suits almost everything. It brings lightness to classic rose bouquets, underlines the meadow feel of wild-natural arrangements with grasses and wildflowers, and in reduced, modern compositions it works almost like a drawn line. Anyone wanting to bring movement into an arrangement can hardly avoid this green.
Care
- 01Cut the blades at an angle and place them in a clean, cool vase with fresh water – bear grass drinks little but likes clean water.
- 02A low water level is enough, as the fine blades do not need a tall column of water; change the water when it clouds.
- 03Keep cool and out of direct sun, then the blades stay deep green and supple for longer.
- 04To shape them, gently bend the blades between your fingers or wind them around a pencil – they hold the looped form.
- 05Simply pull out or trim any dried or yellowed tips, the rest keeps going without trouble.
Frequently asked
- How long does bear grass last in the vase?
- Bear grass is very durable. In clean water it usually stays fresh for ten to fourteen days, and with good fresh stock – as we buy directly at the Veiling auction – often even longer. It is one of the longest-lasting greens in a bouquet.
- Is bear grass toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- Bear grass contains no known toxins – Indigenous peoples of North America even used the plant as food, and wildlife graze on it. There is no real chemical poisoning risk for pets or children. Even so, the blades should not be nibbled: the tough plant fibres are hard to digest and can trigger vomiting or stomach irritation if swallowed, with cats reacting more sensitively than dogs.
- When is bear grass in season?
- As a cut green, bear grass is available all year round. It is mainly wild-harvested in the Pacific Northwest of North America and traded year-round through the Dutch auctions, so we can source it fresh at any time.
- What is bear grass used for in floristry?
- Bear grass is a versatile binding green. It gives bouquets volume and movement, can be formed into loops and is used as a graphic line element in modern arrangements. It is especially popular in bridal bouquets, loose natural bouquets and large event arrangements.