[2] This grass forms tufts of stems up to about 1.2 meters tall.

It grows from a fibrous root network which may penetrate over 1.5 meters deep in the soil.

The seeds may be dormant for a period of time and may require stratification to germinate.

[2] This grass is found in many types of habitat, including disturbed areas where it acts as a pioneer species.

It is also considered a climax species in some regions, such as North Dakota.