PORCUPINEGRASS, Stipa spartea Trin. 1, entire plant; 2, several views of leaf base; 3, glumes; 4, seed. Perennial, reproducing by seeds only. Stems smooth, 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 m) high, in clumps. Leaves smooth beneath, rough on top, slightly rolled, 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) long, tapering to a fine point. Seeds brown, shiny, 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 13 mm) long, borne in a panicle 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) long. One end of seed has a sharp point with a ring of soft hairs and the other end, a twisted awn 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) in length. Moisture untwists the awn, forcing the sharply pointed end into the ground or into the flesh of animals. A valuable forage grass if properly handled to prevent seed formation. Found in range land and waste places.