stipa spartea : Needlegrass / Porcupine Grass

The leaves of Porcupine, or Needle, grass are narrower than the sheath at the base, narrowing even more to a long, threadlike tip. Inflorescence is a contracted panicle; the ligule is thin and 3/16" tall.

The seeds are 1/2 to 3/4 inches long, with a sharp point and a long 4" awn with the lower half twisted and the upper half bent at an angle. The awn, which twists as it dries and untwists as it absorbs moisture, catches in plant litter. The seed is then forced into the soil as the awn continues to untwist and elongate.

Height:	2 - 4 ft
Season of Growth:	Cool
Life Cycle:	Perennial
Propagation:	Easiest from Seed if seed is planted fresh or in the fall

Porcupine Grass grows on dry sites on upland dry to mesic prairies and is often found with the bluestems.

It requires full sun.

Wildlife Value
Nesting:	Poor
Protective Cover:	Poor
Food:	Poor

Porcupine grass is attractive on dry sites and often occurs in solid patches. Because of the sharp, stiff seeds, it is NOT RECOMMENDED for planting where children or animals are present as the needlelike seeds can stick in mouths, bare feet, hands, skin, or fur.

Order Needlegrass / Porcupine Grass

1,500 seeds / ounce
*Item #*	*Amount*	*Price*
StiSpaP	Packet	$2
StiSpaOz	Ounce	$16
StiSpaLb	Pound	$200
(Grass prices change often ~~ Call for current prices)
To order Needlegrass / Porcupine Grass, Call (515) 733-4634 Or Order by Mail: Order Form

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	Iowa Prairie Seed Company 911 Elm Avenue Story City, Iowa 50478 (515) 733-4634	Email: rbbunn@iowatelecom.net
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