Porcupine Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus')

Porcupine Grass is an upright, clump-forming ornamental grass noted for its distinctive horizontal golden bands on green leaves, giving a porcupine-like appearance. In late summer, reddish-bronze plumes rise above the foliage (5–8 feet tall), turning silvery in fall. More upright and less vase-shaped than 'Zebrinus'. A striking specimen or mass planting.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun.
• Water: Moderate; tolerates drought once established.
• Height: 5–10 feet (with plumes).
• Spread: 2–4 feet.

Care Tips

Cut back to ground in late winter. Divide in spring if needed. Deer resistant. Photo credit: Doreen Wynja.

Landscape Uses

Specimen, screens, mass plantings, winter interest. The banded foliage is unique.