The leaf blade margins are cartilaginous, becoming white in color when dry.

[2][1] In its natural habitat this species grows in pine woods and savannas, as well as wetlands.

[2] It has a thick rhizomatous root network that is good for resisting erosion in wet areas, so it can be used in wetland restoration projects.

Associated wild plants include creeping bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus) in flatwoods habitat, as well as wiregrass (Aristida stricta), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), bottlebrush threeawn (Aristida spiciformis), hairy blustem (Andropogon longiberbis), and bluejoint panicum (Panicum tenerum).

[2] The grass also makes a good forage for cattle and wild ungulates.