Olga Volchkova Russian/American, 1970
In the early summer in eastern Oregon, where the altitude is higher and the landscapes are breathtaking, you can see this tall, gorgeous, floating, lace-like, club-shaped flower. The plant blooms once every five to ten years. Seeing many at once is miraculous and magical. Beargrass is one of the first plants that grows on land scorched by fire, which helps to bring back the rest of the vegetation, fungus, and animals. Beargrass provides food for mountain goats, bedding material for bears, and excellent weaving material for baskets and clothing. The fibers are flexible and tough.