Porcupine Grass (Hesperostipa spartea)

Porcupine Grass

Hesperostipa spartea

Porcupine Grass is a striking native prairie grass that grows 2 to 4 feet tall, known for its long, needle-like awns on its seeds, which aid in self-planting. It is commonly found in dry prairies, open woodlands, and sandy soils. Porcupine Grass gets its name from the long, pokey seed heads that are shed in the fall season. This deep-rooted perennial helps prevent erosion and supports wildlife by providing cover and food for birds and small mammals. It is well-suited for prairie restorations, dry meadows, and erosion control projects.

Characteristics

Type	Graminoid
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil	Clay, Loam, Sand/Gravel, Calcareous
Moisture	Dry, Mesic, Wet
Average Max Height (inches)	32
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	24
Dominance	Medium

Range Maps

Sowing Information

Sow seed onto a firm, weed-free seedbed. Hand-broadcast seed making two perpendicular passes for even coverage. If planting a mix, broadcast the grass component first and lightly rake/drag it into the top 1/8–1/4" of soil. Next, broadcast wildflower/forb seed and press it into the soil surface (with a roller/cultipacker or the back of a rake) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After seeding, apply a very light layer of clean, seed-free straw (or other weed-free, site-appropriate mulch) to reduce erosion and retain moisture without smothering seedlings. A good rainfall or thorough watering will help settle seed and mulch and improve germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.