Panicum niihauense is a rare species of grass known by the common names lau 'ehu and Niihau panicgrass.

It is endemic to Hawaii, where it has been found on the islands of Niihau and Kauai.

[2] The grass is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.

The only naturally occurring specimens of the grass grow in Polihale State Park.

[3] The habitat is also impacted by the invasion of non-native plants such as Chloris barbata (swollen fingergrass), Leucaena leucocephala (haole koa), Prosopis pallida (kiawe), Atriplex semibaccata (Australian saltbush), and Verbesina encelioides (golden crown-beard).