[1][2] It is also found further east, to the Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada, but is much less common beyond the Great Plains and is restricted to specialized habitats.

Its flowering stems (culms) grow from 1+1⁄2 to 3 ft (45 to 90 cm) tall, extending above the leaves.

[4] Prairie dropseed is a fine-textured grass with long, narrow leaves that arch outward, forming attractive, round tufts.

From late July to mid-September, the grass blooms with rusty-tan flowers that rise 30 to 36 in (760 to 910 mm) in height.

[5] The grass is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens because of its attractive bunchgrass form.