It is native to the south-central United States (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi)[2] and much of Mexico (from Tamaulipas and Baja California south to Chiapas).

[3][4][5] Nassella leucotricha is a perennial bunchgrass with stems up to 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) tall.

[6] The fruit has a sharp tip and a twisted awn up to 9 centimeters (3.6 inches) long.

[3][6] This fruit can damage the mouths of livestock and can get caught in wool and eyes.

[3] The grass provides a good forage for animals when it is green, but the animals should be removed from the area as the seeds develop on the plants and replaced when the seeds fall to the ground.