[3] It was named for its discoverer, John Bernhard Leiberg (1853-1913), a Swedish-born American botanist active in the western United States.

[6] Leiberg's panicgrass is a small perennial grass forming loose rosettes with culms between 30–60 centimeters (12–24 in) in height.

[3] In the Chicago region, it is a highly conservative species, with a coefficient of conservatism of 10.

[6][4] In a North Dakota study, its coverage increased significantly following the application of prescribed burning.

[7] Leiberg's panicgrass is threatened by habitat fragmentation, destruction, and invasive species.