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
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Porcupine Grass? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Porcupine Grass is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.