It is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows on the coastal plain.

[1] This is a perennial grass that forms clumps of stems reaching 1 to 1.5 meters (3 ft 3 in to 4 ft 11 in) in maximum height.

The inflorescence is a panicle with one branch that is up to 15 centimeters (5.9 in) long and lined on one side with two rows of spikelets.

The crushed roots have a strong scent.

[2] The lower part of the stem produces a numbing sensation when it is chewed.