This is a tufted, native bunchgrass abundant in the Southern Plains and from Idaho and Oregon southward. It is most prevalent on sandy soil.
Roots are coarse and deep-penetrating.
The plants produce a fairly large amount of foliage which is eaten readily by livestock while green, but sparingly when ripe. If not overgrazed, stands tend to increase in density. It produces seed in abundance and is useful for reseeding depleted range land. Its relatively low palatability, however, limits its overall usefulness.