It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is limited to the island of Kauai.

It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.

There are three species of Poa native to Hawaii, and all are endemic to Kauai.

The stems lose their leaves early and then resemble naked, erect rushes.

[3] This grass is threatened by deer, feral goats and pigs damaging its habitat, and the invasion of introduced species of plants.