Bear Grass in Bloom - Lost Trail Pass

Bear Grass in Bloom - Lost Trail Pass - 2 of 3, originally uploaded by nilsribi.

Bear Grass flowers are the Cicadas of the plant world, reappearing in cycles of 5–7 years. And the first signs of their return this year come from the Idaho side of Lost Trail Pass. The grass is a fire-resistant species that is often the first plant to regenerate after a fire. In fact, Bear Grass and many other native plants need periodic burns to produce new growth. The flowers, resembling fluffy, upside down snow cones, grow on a stalk that can be 6 feet tall. Native American Indians in the northwest have traditionally made baskets, hats and other practical items with stems and roots of the grass.