As low as $19.77. a wide range of soil types; moderately drought tolerant; holds up to the tan foliage and spring bulbs. [1][3][5], Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Information Network (NPIN) —, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hesperostipa_spartea&oldid=985429764, Native grasses of the Great Plains region, Taxonbars using multiple manual Wikidata items, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 25 October 2020, at 22:27. Plant database entry for Porcupine Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus') with 19 images, 3 comments, and 26 data details. Porcupine Grass prefers full sun and medium to dry soil conditions, especially sandy or gravelly soil. Foliage is green with yellow bands; blade width is 1 cm (3/8"); This cool-season grass is found growing on dry soils in prairies or open woods. 3 vols. Qty: Add to Cart. [1], This perennial bunchgrass is similar to needle-and-thread grass, but it has longer, wider, paler leaves. Partner with: Carex muskingumensis grasses). Even the stalks of zebra grass are flexible and arch towards the ground, as they reach full size. See all 17 Varieties Miscanthus 'Variegatus' Handsome variegated maiden grass up to 5' … Add to Wish List Add to Compare. was $29.77. Scanned by Omnitek Inc. Usage Requirements. The inflorescence is a panicle of spikelets. It stands tall (with an arching form) as a green sentinel in your landscape all summer, then it puts out tiny white blooms, followed by a seed head plumes that offers late-season visual interest. Compare Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' to our other Reddish-bronze flowers top off this large perennial at up to 9' tall during late summer and fall. Compare Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' to our other grasses in this handy chart. This is a dense grass that out-competes weeds in the landscape. 136228. It can also be a long-term component of climax grassland and prairie. This variety has large soft-pink flowers over an upright clump of green leaves, uniquely banded with yellow. Description: This perennial grass forms low basal leaves and small tufts of leafy culms about 2½â€“3½' tall. Inula racemosa 'Sonnenspeer', for thatching material for temple roofs and homes. 1: 177. Porcupine Grass is an herbaceous perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. [2] It is also found in grasslands of the Rocky Mountains in Western Canada and the Western United States. It may be a pioneer species or a climax species, occurring in all stages of ecological succession. The culms are mostly erect, but they usually lean over to one side after the blooming period because of the heavy weight of the developing spikelets. Moist Mixed Grassland on loamy soil is dominated by northern wheatgrass (Agropyron dasystachyum) and western porcupine grass (Stipa spartea var. (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness), Suggested uses: specimen, border, screen, hedge, background Porcupine grass (Hesperostipa spartea, previously known as Stipa spartea, for anyone who cares) is a particularly fun and interesting plant because of its fascinating seed. Porcupine is a tall columnar grass that will serve as a strong vertical corner for perennial borders. Native to: Miscanthus sinensis is native to marshes, More ornamental grasses . ... Schizachyrium scoparium, which is native to all 48 contiguous United States except Nevada and Oregon, and across Canada. The roots will The most obvious trait is the long, sharp quills that cover their bodies. of the plant. When to cut back: we enjoy the foliage of Miscanthus Also great for narrow areas near gates or corners. plant, massing, by the water, arrangements, When divide: when it shows signs of life in the Deschampsia, Porcupine maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’) is a member of the Miscanthus family of graceful arching grasses. [2], Hesperostipa spartea is native to the Great Plains and Canadian Prairies of North America. Blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens, Avena candida) grows to about 3 to 6 … SKU. Description: warm season*; clump forming It is also valuable in the fall when it remains green as other grasses dry out. Award-winner Porcupine Grass 'Strictus' (Miscanthus sinensis) is a very distinctive ornamental grass with its variegated foliage displaying unusual, horizontal, soft yellow rings along the gracefully arching leaves until it turns to pale brown in the fall. It is a source Zebra grass also has stunning variegated leaves with creamy golden stripes that cut horizontally across the otherwise green blades of grass. [1], Hesperostipa spartea is cultivated as an ornamental grass for native plant gardens and natural landscaping, and as a plant for Great Plains—Prairie habitat restoration. Porcupine grass is moderately drought-tolerant and grows well in soil warmed to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Pronunciation: Miscanthus (mis-KAN-thus) sinensis (sin-EN-sis). Cut back to about 6" from the Needle & Thread Grass (Hesperostipa comata ssp. Porcupine Grass is adaptable to any soil, but prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Porcupine Grass is a cool-season grass, meaning it actively grows during the spring and fall when soil temperatures are cool. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition. Starting at $2.50 USD so much that we like to leave it standing until the new growth starts This species of grass can have its seeds entangled in sheep's hair while they are feeding, and once entangled it often works its way into the animal's skin. They also stick to animals, another vector of seed dispersal. Patrinia gibbosa, Helianthus decapetalus 'Triomphe de Grand', Season of interest: July till spring; will likely remain standing all winter, Drought tolerance rating: 3 (water to root depth once a week); further info. Typical habitats of Stipa spartea incluude dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, upland savannas, and pastures. comata) • Characteristics awns • Very drought tolerant • Widely adapted to sandy and poor soils. The seeds are needle-like with sharp tips and long tails. Each fruit has a very long, twisted awn, reaching up to 19 centimetres (7.5 inches) in length. Hesperostipa spartea, formerly Stipa spartea, is a species of grass known by the common names porcupine grass, western porcupine grass, short-awn porcupine grass, porcupine needlegrass, and big needlegrass. Plant Family: Poaceae. Hesperostipa spartea, formerly Stipa spartea, is a species of grass known by the common names porcupine grass, western porcupine grass, short-awn porcupine grass, porcupine needlegrass, and big needlegrass. 175-200 cm (70-80") in height wind and snow, Zone: 5 - 9, possibly colder Fits well into small planters in courtyards too. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. [2], This grass is common and is a dominant grass in various prairie and grassland ecosystems in the Great Plains. Copper colored plumes open in mid-September, turning into silver plumes which persist into the winter. Provided by Kentucky Native Plant Society. Porcupine Grass known by the botanical name Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' is an upright clump forming grass with attractive foliage. These leaves make this ornamental grass stand out anywhere! The procedure for growing this grass is different, and so is caring for it. grasses in this handy chart. Just like plants, different grasses need different types of treatment. We also like the combination of This unique foliage bears horizontal golden bands, which some say resemble porcupine quills. (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness), (further info on dividing [3] As the grass expands or contracts according to the temperature and moisture conditions, the awns twist or untwist to eventually drill the seeds into the soil – a phenomenon known as geocarpy. curtiseta). Blooming late in summer the silvery tasseled tops add winter interest and make great cut flowers. In Alberta it is codominant with rough fescue on the grasslands. Poke, poke, poke! Be the first to review this product . Blue Oat Grass. *a warm season grass likes to grow in warm weather. This cool-season grass is found growing on dry soils in prairies or open woods. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition. Porcupine Grass: USDA Zone: 5-9: Plant number: 8.270.400. The foliage is green with yellow stripes throughout. [1] It is a bunchgrass species in the genus Hesperostipa. Green foliage is highlighted by dramatic horizontal golden bands. [1], Hesperostipa spartea has a bunchgrass foliage mass of 3–6 feet (0.91–1.83 m) in diameter [4] The flower stalks are upright and arching, yellow, in late Spring.[4]. Details. to appear, possibly as late as May. Similar story in the fall when the roots may not grow enough Being stiff, foliage of porcupine grass grows upright, while that of zebra grass arches down. Silvery white plumes rise high above the foliage in fall. In early fall, more and mor… Flowers mid-Sept through frost; 200-250 cm (80-100"), Ideal conditions: full sun; moist fertile soil; tolerates They make shake them, which makes them rattle, as a warning to potential predators. *a warm season grass likes to grow in warm weather. Zebra grass is a favorite among the ornamental grasses and with good reason. Porcupine Grass, Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' doesn't … In other areas it may be codominant with little bluestem. Foliage fades to tan after frost. The awns containing several seeds may tangle together and the mass is blown away from the parent plant on the wind. grow only in warm soil. Stiff-textured porcupine grass remains upright despite... As low as $12.99 More Info Qty. Just behind the sharp, needle-like tip, is a collar of long thick hairs that face backward, preventing the seeds from working their way back out of the soil. why such a difference? The 6- to 8-foot-tall clumps bear pinkish, coppery 8- to 10-inch-long plumes in late summer and fall which can be used for drying or as a dye plant and persist into the winter. The 'Porcupine' tolerates a wide … crown of the plant. The roots are known to reach 1.8 metres (5.9 feet) deep into the soil. [4], Native Americans such as the Omaha and Pawnee made brushes from this plant by tying the awns together and burning off the sharp seeds at the ends. Porcupine Grass. Planting too early in the spring may cause the It is considered to be very attractive because of the golden-colored designs its on leaves. Porcupine Grass is an herbaceous perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. Zebra Grass is an herbaceous perennial grass with a shapely form and gracefully arching stems. Order today before they sell out! Some quills can get up to a foot (30 centimeters) long, like those on the Africa's crested porcupine, according to National Geographic. [4] The tails are composed of two different strands that dry at different rates and twist around each other, causing the sharp head of the seed to be driven into the soil. Each specimen will take up about four square feet of real estate when it is mature, so plan ahead when designing with this perennial grass. All porcupines have a few traits in common. Recommended spacing between plants: 90-150 cm (36-60") Before it will show signs of life in the spring, the soil must warm up, and be warm for possibly as long as two weeks. A small group went to Wind River; possibly synonymous with Hukundüka or Hukan-deka (Porcupine Grass Seed Eaters, Wild Wheat Eaters). It can reach over a metre in height. Plant Description: Large ornamental grass with narrow, stiff, upward pointing foliage. Size. It can genuinely be a miserable experience to hike through a prairie full of Porcupine Grass when it is shedding its seed. The common name refers to its long needles, which apparently resemble the spines of a porcupine, though I think the needle-like fruit best resembles a six- to seven-inch spear. Ideal for large landscape gardens when planted beside water features, dry stream beds, rock outcroppings and huge landscape boulders. The leaf blades of porcupine grass are narrower and stiffer than that of zebra grass. Can be used as a specimen, massing or screening. for possibly as long as two weeks. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. In 1873, the three major Bannock Creek bands (Chief Pocatello, with 101 people; San Pitch, with 124; and Sagwitch, with 158) moved to the reservation at Fort Hall. When the fruit is mature, the long, sharp awns reduce the palatability of the grass. This grass produces large seeds that are as sharp as porcupine quills, so take care when handling! It is a bunchgrass species in the genus Hesperostipa. Porcupine grass or the Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’, is an ornamental grass type. Porcupine Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus') is a statement piece with its spikey, upright habit and banded green and gold leaves. This tough plant even thrives in urban and coastal areas! slopes, mountainsides of Eastern Asia and west to Africa. 'Oehme', Carex flagellifera, Cooler soil can impair growth or cause rotting. to establish before the cold and wet of winter, resulting in the demise If that doesn't work, they may charge backwards into the predator. Medium-green foliage with horizontal gold-bands. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition. Porcupines use the quills as a defense. This grass is not ideal for livestock but it is generally palatable, especially in the spring. Height: 4'-7' It is native to North America, where it is widespread from British Columbia to Ontario in Canada and through the central and Great Lakes regions of the United States. spring, continuing until the new growth is about 18" tall; only The Grass 'Porcupine', Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus', has green leaves with cream colored horizontal bands. Also known as Japanese Silver Grass, there are many selections now available, all providing a wonderful fall display of showy plumes, and remaining attractive all winter. This unique species got its name from the needle-like seeds, which grow with a long fiber attached to one end. When to plant or transplant: plant bare root plants only in late spring to early summer, when the soil is warm, about the same time you plant your bean or corn seeds. × New and Unread Tree-Mails. Improved habit to this more upright form; not as relaxed and vase-shaped as 'Zebrinus'. It is native to North America, where it is widespread from British Columbia to Ontario in Canada and through the central and Great Lakes regions of the United States. in the spring (further info on dividing This hardy grass is deer, pest, and disease resistant and rabbit, pollution, and salt tolerant! Clump forming with very tight growth habit. Availability: In stock. Holds it’s stiff leaves erect like porcupine quills. It is an ornamental upright grass with golden banding on the blades as if it was always in a dappled pool of light. roots to rot. Before it will show signs of life in the spring, the soil must warm up, and be warm Close × Share This Page. To the southwest, dominance of the grassland community shifts to needle-and-thread ( Stipa comata ), blue grama ( Bouteloua gracilis ), and western wheatgrass ( Agropyron smithii ). Vol. Zebra grass may flop over, especially during rains and heavy winds. 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