[4] This grass can be found in a variety of habitat types, easily taking hold in disturbed areas such as roadsides and crop fields.

It is spread by seed, which is transported by water and wind, in soil and hay, and on machinery and trains.

[8] This grass is also of interest in agriculture because it is the main wild ancestor of teff (Eragrostis tef), a staple cereal in some regions and of particular importance in Ethiopia.

The most consistent difference is that E. pilosa undergoes spikelet shattering, the disintegration of the seedhead that is the first step in seed dispersal.

Teff heads do not shatter, making the plant easier to manage as an agricultural crop.