PORCUPINE GRASS (Stipa spartea)
I love porcupine grass. Of all the native prairie grasses, it is probably the most fascinating in terms of seed dispersal and germination. Each seed has a very sharply pointed tip that’s covered in stiff, backwards facing hairs that act as barbs. On the opposite end is a long (4 – 8”), twisted “tail” (awn). At maturity, some flower parts drop off, leaving the hairy seed head exposed and capable of hitching a ride on passersby. When they eventually find their way to the ground, the moisture-sensitive tails twist and turn, drilling the seed into the ground. Unfortunately, porcupine grass doesn’t distinguish between soil, clothing and thick fur (like sheep wool), and has earned itself a bad reputation. But it’s an important part of the prairie ecosystem and the mature seed heads are quite striking with their contrasting colours and the long awns that really do resemble porcupine guard hairs. This is a grass of dry to medium sandy prairies. (Not recommended for sheep pastures!)
Life Cycle: perennial, cool season
Sun Exposure: full sun
Bloom Period: June
Height: 2 – 4 ft
Soil: dry