[3] It is native to tropical and subtropical Africa, and is extensively cultivated globally as a pasture grass and for cut fodder.

[2][4] This is a rhizomatous perennial grass producing flattened, hairless, blue-green stems up to 2 m tall.

The inflorescence is a dense, narrow panicle of bristly, orange-tinged spikelets up to 25 cm long.

[2] In Africa, Setaria sphacelata seed heads are an important food source for several bird species, including the long-tailed widowbird.

Recognised pests in cultivation include the buffel grass seed caterpillar (Mampava rhodoneura) and the fungus Pyricularia trisa.