Grass, Porcupine #1
Porcupine Grass
Echinopogon caespitosus
Height: Typically 12–18 inches tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
Spread: Approximately 12–18 inches wide
Spacing: Plant 12–18 inches apart for a neat, cohesive display
Growth Rate: Slow
Deciduous
Description
Porcupine Grass delivers a striking textural statement to your landscape with its upright, spiky foliage that evokes the bold silhouette of a porcupine. In the soft light of early mornings, its dense clumps of slender, deep green blades—tipped subtly with silver—come alive, adding a polished, modern accent to borders and mass plantings. Perfectly scaled for Michigan’s cooler environment, this diminutive ornamental grass remains low and compact, making it an ideal choice for container plantings as well. While it doesn’t produce significant edible fruit, its delicate seed heads contribute a modest visual interest that complements its overall refined appearance throughout the season.
General Care
- Sunlight: Thrives best in full sun to partial shade; aim for at least 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its vibrant color and compact habit.
- Soil: Prefers a moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; adaptable to a range of soil types provided drainage is ensured.
- Watering: Provide moderate, consistent moisture during the growing season; allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially in Michigan’s cooler climate.
- Mulching: A light 1–2 inch layer of mulch around the clump will help regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture without impeding air circulation.
- Pruning: Minimal maintenance is required—simply remove any dead or senescent foliage in early spring to keep clumps tidy and to encourage fresh new growth.
Add a refined splash of modern texture and understated elegance to your landscape with Porcupine Grass—a compact, low-maintenance, and visually compelling accent that suits borders, mass plantings, or container arrangements perfectly.
