Seldom plentiful, this plant is usually found in association with beachgrass, sand cherry and poplar. Stands 3 to 4 feet. Squirrel tail grass is another species that can take the most baking sands and poor nutrient conditions of the coast. Also grows inland in poor areas and on prairie soils. Its small size and purplish appearance distinguish it from rye grass and barley.
Little bluestem is similar but has numerous tuffs per stem and is much taller.
Clicking on the thumbnail photos below will enlarge the image. Seen here in flower, the green bracts appear like petals. This noxious weed is hard to control on cattle lands. The red berries are poisonous - often called deadly nightshade. Can grow directly among the rocks of the coastal zone.