In the autumn, it produces large (30–70 cm long by 20–30 cm wide) effuse inflorescences (clusters on a stalk) of tiny red and purple spikelets (the type of flower seen in grasses).

[2] Among Florida's Seminole People, sweetgrass was the most commonly used material for basket weaving.

In recent years, sweetgrass is becoming harder to find in South Florida.

[3] This grass has historical importance in South Carolina, where it has been used for basket weaving.

African Americans from the Gullah tradition in the South Carolina Lowcountry still weave artistic baskets using this native grass.