Porcupine Grass is a tall native bunchgrass of dry prairies, named for its sharply pointed, awned seeds that are adapted for burial — the hygroscopic awn twists and untwists with changes in humidity, literally drilling the seed into the soil. Growing 2–3 feet tall in mixed and tallgrass prairies, it is a signature species of high-quality dry prairies. The seeds can penetrate the skin of grazing animals, which historically helped the plant spread. It is a beautiful ornamental grass for dry, sunny native gardens.
Best time to see a Porcupine Grass
The best time to see a Porcupine Grass is June, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 883 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Porcupine Grass? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Porcupine Grass sightings near you
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