Found in open prairies, bottomlands, and open woods. It can occur in bunches or as single stems mixed with other grasses, especially big bluestem. Reproduces from rhizomes and seeds. The plume-like seed heads turn a chestnut brown, and later take on a grey coloration.
Indian grass is very nutritious and is readily consumed by livestock.
This grass is fairly tolerant to drought conditions, leading it to invade disturbed areas.